The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics has announced applications for its Study-cum-Research Program (ISRP) for the 2025–26 academic cycle. This global programme is designed to strengthen capacity building in dryland agriculture and agri-food systems while offering structured learning, research exposure, and professional development opportunities for students and researchers worldwide.
The programme supports individuals engaged in agriculture, environmental sciences, food systems, and related disciplines, with a strong focus on addressing hunger, poverty, malnutrition, and climate vulnerability in dryland regions.
About ICRISAT and Its Mission
ICRISAT is a leading international research organisation focused on improving agricultural systems in semi-arid and dryland regions. It works to address critical global challenges affecting over 2.1 billion people living in dryland areas across Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Its core mission includes:
- Strengthening food and nutritional security
- Promoting climate-resilient agriculture
- Enhancing sustainable farming systems
- Supporting poverty reduction in dryland communities
- Advancing agricultural innovation and research
The organisation operates as part of the global CGIAR research network, contributing to science-driven solutions for agricultural transformation.
Programme Overview
The Study-cum-Research Program (ISRP) provides structured opportunities for academic learning and hands-on research engagement within active scientific projects at ICRISAT.
The programme offers multiple pathways depending on academic level and experience:
- Internship Programme: 6 weeks to 3 months
- Master’s Research Programme: 3 to 6 months
- Doctoral Research Programme: 6 months to 3 years
- Research Fellow Programme: 6 to 18 months
Participants are integrated into ongoing research projects, allowing them to contribute meaningfully while developing technical expertise, analytical skills, and professional networks.
Research and Learning Areas
The programme covers a wide range of scientific and interdisciplinary fields, reflecting the complexity of modern agri-food systems.
Plant and Crop Sciences
- Genetics and plant breeding
- Plant pathology and entomology
- Agronomy and plant physiology
- Genomics and pre-breeding
- Trait engineering and molecular biology
Environmental and Natural Sciences
- Soil science and water conservation
- Natural resource management
- Environmental sciences
- Climate studies
Social and Economic Sciences
- Agricultural economics
- Gender studies
- Food and nutrition
- Agricultural extension
Engineering and Technology
- Digital agriculture
- Postharvest management
- Agri-engineering and mechanical systems
- Value addition technologies
Agri-Business and Communication
- Agri-business management
- Finance
- Media and communication
- Organisational management
Participants may also engage in specialised service areas such as:
- Genotyping and sequencing
- Phenotyping and grain quality analysis
- Soil and water testing
- Food safety and aflatoxin analysis
- Seed processing and genebank studies
Key Programme Features
The ISRP is designed to provide both academic and practical benefits, including:
- Direct engagement in active research projects
- Mentorship from leading agricultural scientists
- Access to advanced laboratories and data systems
- Exposure to global agricultural innovation networks
- Skill development in research methods and scientific communication
- Opportunities for collaboration and professional networking
The programme also supports capacity building through training in:
- Climate-resilient agriculture
- Sustainable food systems
- Agricultural innovation and technology
- Dryland farming systems
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
- Currently enrolled in a recognised university or academic institution
- Pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree
- Engaged in research as part of academic requirements
- Recent graduates seeking professional or academic development
Additional requirements include:
- Completion of required coursework before participation
- Availability to participate full-time during the programme period
- Alignment of research interests with ongoing ICRISAT projects
Recent graduates are also eligible if seeking to strengthen their skills for further studies or employment.
Application Process and Fees
Applications are accepted year-round but reviewed three times annually:
- March cycle
- June cycle
- September cycle
Applicants must submit their application at least 45 days before their intended start date.
A non-refundable application fee applies:
- USD 20 for international applicants
- INR 1,500 for Indian applicants
In addition, participants are required to pay a bench fee covering administrative and research support services, including:
- Office space
- Laboratory access
- Library and database use
- Research materials and consumables
Fee structure includes:
- Internships: USD 100 (first 3 months) + USD 25/month thereafter
- Master’s research: USD 100 (up to 6 months) + USD 50 per additional 6-month period
- PhD research: USD 150 (first 12 months) + USD 50 per additional 6 months
A limited number of scholarships may be available for eligible candidates, with concessions for applicants from low-income countries.
Selection Criteria
Applicants are selected based on:
- Academic performance and qualifications
- Alignment with ICRISAT research priorities
- Relevance to ongoing scientific projects
- Optional interview performance
Selection prioritises candidates whose research interests closely match institutional needs and ongoing scientific programmes.
Programme Value and Impact
The ISRP plays a significant role in strengthening global agricultural research capacity by:
- Supporting the development of young scientists
- Enhancing innovation in dryland agriculture
- Building global research collaborations
- Advancing food security and climate resilience
- Promoting sustainable agricultural systems
Participants gain not only technical knowledge but also critical skills for future careers in agriculture, research, policy, and development sectors.
The programme contributes to long-term transformation of agri-food systems by building a skilled generation of researchers capable of addressing global challenges in food production and environmental sustainability.
Contact Information
For queries related to the programme, applicants may contact:
- Dr Padmaja Ravula – Cluster Leader, Knowledge and Capacity Development
- Email: [email protected]
- Learning System Unit: [email protected]
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
