Western Grains Research Foundation (WGRF) is pleased to announce a $15,000 per year commitment for a graduate scholarship at the University of Lethbridge (ULethbridge) available to students pursuing a Master of Science in any of WGRF’s priority research areas.

The scholarship will specifically support students who are studying in ULethbridge agricultural biotechnology and agricultural studies graduate programs. These programs contribute to research with a direct impact on local agricultural practices, building on strong ties with institutions such as Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, as well as local community and industry groups.

“WGRF has made it a priority to increase research capacity in Western Canada,” says Dr. Keith Degenhardt, WGRF Board Chair. “This investment by producers in a graduate scholarship at ULethbridge will help build a stronger future for agriculture research by helping graduate students reach their fullest potential.”

“An investment in graduate student research is one that reaps many rewards and builds stronger communities of practice, expertise, and connections,” says Dr. Dena McMartin, ULethbridge’s vice-president (research). “We are pleased to partner with WGRF in support of graduate students and their achievements in the Agricultural Biotechnology and Agricultural Studies programs.”

Scholarship availability is a significant incentive for students to apply their skills and knowledge towards agricultural research, adding breadth and depth to the talent pool in the field.

“We are very excited to establish this new scholarship at ULethbridge,” says Garth Patterson, WGRF Executive Director. “The need to recruit the best and brightest students into agricultural research is an important step to help accelerate and expand crop research. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these students make on western Canadian crop production in the future.”

WGRF funds a broad range of research in variety development and crop production in 15 different western Canadian field crops.

Since 2011, WGRF has invested over $1 million towards more than 22 graduate student scholarships at the Universities of Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.