The department has established the John Cripps horticulture scholarships to increase the collaborative research undertaken in horticulture in Western Australia (WA) on issues impacting the productivity, profitability and sustainability of the industry.
The scholarship funding will go to a WA university student to undertake research relevant to the state’s horticultural industry. The funding will go toward a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Master of Research and will be awarded every second year.
The duration of the scholarship funding is for a PhD over 3 years or a Master of Research over 2 years. It is an investment by the WA Government.
This scholarship is currently closed to applications.
What funding is available?
The full-time postgraduate scholarship was available to fund a candidate for $50,000 per annum (tax exempt). The total value of the scholarship is:
PhD: $150,000 over 3 years
Master of Research: $100,000 over 2 years.
Who is this scholarship for?
Students that meet the requirements for entry into a postgraduate program (PhD or Master of Research) at a WA university.
This scholarship was established to recognise the importance of research to the WA horticulture industry and is in memory of one of our leading apple breeders and industry legend Mr John Cripps AO.
The scholarship proposes over time to:
- develop talented candidates into researchers who can work in both industry and academic settings
- strengthen industry through focused innovation and development through greater university-government-industry collaboration
- support research projects co-designed between government, university and industry.
Research supports the success of WA’s horticulture businesses to meet the challenges that impact the industry now and into the future. Current industry challenges include productivity, climate variability, pest and diseases management, consumer trends and economic pressures.
The long-term vision is to increase the number of horticultural researchers based in WA and build a focus on horticulture in the state’s universities.
To be eligible for a scholarship, potential applicants must meet the following criteria:
have a Bachelors degree with first-class honours (some universities may consider students with upper second-class honours), or a Master degree with a research component or equivalent from a recognised university
- have a record of excellent academic performance
- be able to provide evidence of strong written and spoken English
- have an Australian citizen or have permanent residency status in Australia
- have documentary evidence of your entitlement to live and work in Australia for the period of the scholarship
- be available to take up the scholarship if offered, for commencement by 31 July 2024.
Special approval may be granted on written application, for a later commencement date for those candidates with unavoidable commitments. However, any award or scholarship offered will lapse, if not taken up before the commencement date.
Inaugural scholarship recipient
Mr Md. Golam Azam has been awarded the inaugural John Cripps horticultural scholarship to undertake his PhD unlocking the genetic mystery of the Cripps Pink variety and its variants.
Mr Azam’s studies involve genome mapping the Cripps Pink variety and its variants. This will help plant breeders identify DNA markers, which are crucial for:
- developing unique, high-performance varieties
- creating fresh options for apple lovers
- new market opportunities for industry.
The innovative work will reduce apple breeding costs and fast track improved and more profitable apple varieties.
Mr Azam will undertake his PhD studies at The University of Western Australia, where he will be mentored by experts from DPIRD.