Published in the Research School of Physics Event Horizon
Vol46 Issue8 1–5 March 2021

The aim of this program is to increase industry capacity in this critical area of emerging and future need for the agricultural sector. The program also aims to support and increase collaboration between ANU and CSIRO researchers in identified strategic growth areas. PhD projects will require co-supervision from CSIRO (Data61 and Agriculture & Food) and ANU (CECS and CoS) researchers and the establishment of an ANU/CSIRO research collaboration agreement.

The next round of the Digital Agriculture Scholarship program will align with the ANU PhD 2021 Round 2 International and Domestic which closes on April 15 2021.

If you are interested in collaborating with CSIRO colleagues and have a project you would like to submit, project topics from supervisors need to be submitted to the Rachael Rodney Harris (Rachael.Rodney@anu.edu.au) at the Centre for Entrepreneurial Agri-Technology (CEAT) by 1 March 2021. New projects will be assessed by the joint ANU/CSIRO Digital Agriculture Scholarship Committee, with project proponents notified of the committee's decision prior to projects being advertised.

In order to maximise the impact of the program and leverage existing capacity it is preferable that projects:

- Align with existing investments and ANU/CSIRO collaboration in programs of work related to digital agriculture.   
- Align with programs of work with active industry engagement or industry investment. 

CSIRO Agricultural and Food priorities include:
- SECURE FOOD SYSTEMS
- HEALTHY FOODS
- TRUSTED SUPPLY CHAINS
- RESILIENT FARMING SYSTEMS
- HIGH-VALUE PROTEIN
- FUTURE CROPS
- IMPROVED ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT

Timeline - Digital Agriculture Scholarship Round 2- April 2021

Timeline of activities
12 Feb                   – Open call to ANU/CSIRO staff for proposal of new projects
1 Mar                    – Project nominations received
2 March               – Project Marketing commences
2 Apr                     – Student EoI’s closes
7 Apr                     – Applicants notified of outcome of EoI (determined by project supervisor)
15 Apr                   – ANU PhD base Scholarship round closes
30 Apr                   – Digital Agriculture top-up applications close