Results from Monsanto's Beachell–Borlaug International Scholars Program

Abstract

Core Ideas The Scholars Program enhanced interaction of professors and scientists between developed and developing/transition countries. The Scholars Program supported 89 Ph.D. students in wheat and rice breeding from 30 different countries. The Scholars Program required training in developed as well as developing or transition countries. The 40‐hour leadership training course was highly regarded. Monsanto's Beachell–Borlaug International Scholars Program (MBBISP) is named after the greatest wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and rice (Oryza sativa L.) breeders of the 20th century. Monsanto, through the MBBISP, invested $13 million over an 8‐year period for training rice and wheat breeders from around the world. The judging panel for MBBISP selected 89 scholars from 432 applicants. The selected scholars were from 30 different countries. Scholars selected included 35 women and 54 men, 37 in rice breeding and 52 in wheat breeding. Currently 23 scholars are still completing their Ph.D. programs (as of 2018). This past year, Monsanto established the “Ted Crosbie MBBISP Impact Award” to begin recognizing notable contributions by a scholar, not only in wheat and rice breeding, but also in other crops. Scholar impact is just beginning to be recognized since the earliest graduates have been employed for less than 6 years. To be eligible for this award, scholars must have received their Ph.D. Bhoja Basnet, who is in charge of International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center's (CIMMYT's) hybrid wheat breeding program, was selected to receive the Ted Crosbie MBBISP Impact Award for 2017. Employment of scholars post Ph.D. is reviewed.