Nuffield Farming Scholarship Trust

Charity Number: 1098519

Annual Expenditure: £0.5M
Geographic Focus: Northern Ireland, Scotland

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £480,000+ (approx. 20 scholars × £24,000+)
  • Success Rate: Information not publicly available
  • Decision Time: 6-10 weeks (Applications close July 31st, decisions by early October)
  • Grant Range: £24,000+ per scholarship
  • Geographic Focus: UK (part of international Nuffield network)

Contact Details

Website: www.nuffieldscholar.org

Email: office@nuffieldscholar.org

Phone: 7919030055

Director: Rupert Alers-Hankey (Rupert@nuffieldscholar.org)

General Enquiries: Charlotte (charlotte@nuffieldscholar.org)

Overview

Founded in 1947, the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust (Charity No. 1098519) has awarded over 1,100 scholarships to professionals in farming, food, horticulture, forestry, and rural industries. The charity's mission is to “inspire passion in people and develop their potential to lead positive change in farming and food” by funding international study and travel. Each year, approximately 20 UK scholars receive awards exceeding £24,000 to research topics they are passionate about, traveling globally to learn from international experts. In 2024, the Trust launched its largest cohort ever with 23 scholars, plus a new Next-Gen Scholarship programme for young people aged 18-24. The Trust operates through generous sponsorship from industry bodies, livery companies, trusts, and foundations including AHDB (lead sponsor), various Worshipful Companies, and agricultural sector organizations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Nuffield Farming Scholarship: £24,000+ per award

  • Approximately 20 scholarships awarded annually
  • Covers international travel, accommodation, research costs, attendance at Global Focus Programme (GFP) and annual Nuffield Conference
  • Scholars produce a published report of their findings
  • Application method: Online application form, annual deadline July 31st

Next-Gen Scholarship: Fully funded (exact amount not disclosed)

  • Up to 6 scholarships awarded annually to young people aged 18-24
  • Launched as pilot in 2024, now running annually
  • Includes all travel, subsistence, and conference attendance
  • Application period: Opens November 1st, closes January 31st

Priority Areas

The Trust funds research across all aspects of agriculture and related industries:

  • Farm diversification and new business models
  • Climate change adaptation and resilience
  • Sustainable farming systems and circular agriculture
  • Agricultural innovation and technology
  • Food supply chain development
  • Rural community development
  • Forestry and countryside management
  • Horticulture and specialty crops
  • Energy production and resource efficiency
  • Global food strategies and policy

Recent scholar topics (2024) include drought resilience, carbon markets, vertical farming, nutrient density, successful diversification models, and climate-related land use changes.

What They Don't Fund

  • Full-time students
  • Pure academic research projects without practical application
  • Individuals under 25 or over 45 years old (for main scholarship)
  • Those not working directly in UK agriculture or related industries
  • Candidates less than three years post-tertiary education
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Governance and Leadership

UK Director: John Stones (NSch 1988), who took over executive leadership

Director of Operations: Rupert Alers-Hankey (contact for sponsorship opportunities)

Governance Structure: The charity is governed by a Board of Trustees and operates as a Company Limited by Guarantee (Company No. 04787639). The organisation includes a Patron, Vice Presidents, and the Director, supported by Regional Representatives across the UK who assist applicants through the process.

Leadership Philosophy: As Graham Wilkinson, AHDB CEO, stated: “Nuffield Farming plays a vital role in shaping the future of agriculture, fostering innovation and leadership that drives our industry forward.”

The Trust emphasizes developing future agricultural leaders who will “give back” to the sector through knowledge sharing and positive change.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Online Application: Submit via the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust website (www.nuffieldscholar.org)

Key Requirements:

  • Complete online application form by July 31st deadline each year
  • Two references required (must be submitted before application can be finalized)
  • Referees receive direct link once details are entered in application
  • Applications opened to individuals starting in early January

Support Available: Regional Representatives will contact applicants soon after they begin their application to offer help and guidance. Applicants are encouraged to contact local Nuffield alumni (“Nuffielders”) for advice.

Decision Timeline

  • July 31st: Application deadline
  • Early September: Selection Committee reviews all applications and references; shortlist created
  • September: Preliminary interviews conducted
  • September/Early October: Final interviews for shortlisted candidates
  • October/November: New Scholars announced at Annual Nuffield Conference
  • Notification: All interviewed candidates receive written notification of results

Total Timeline: Approximately 6-10 weeks from submission to decision

Success Rates

Approximately 20 scholarships awarded annually from an undisclosed number of applications. The 2024 cohort was the largest ever with 23 scholars. Described as a competitive and selective programme requiring demonstration of “very special qualities,” but specific success rate percentages are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants is not explicitly stated in public materials. Interested parties should contact charlotte@nuffieldscholar.org for clarification.

Application Success Factors

What They're Looking For

Passion and Purpose: “Demonstrate a passion for the industry they work in” and “a clear passion for their chosen topic and the potential to create a positive impact.”

Leadership Potential: The scholarship is “a leadership program for people with a passion for advancing agriculture and rural communities” focused on “developing leadership, sharing knowledge, and driving positive change.”

Career Establishment: Candidates should be “well-established in their career” and demonstrate they can “make the best use of an opportunity that is only given to a few.”

Giving Back: Applications written with consideration to “giving back” to the sector significantly increase chances of gaining an interview. “Be very explicit about what being awarded a Nuffield Scholarship will allow you to do for the sector, not necessarily what it will do for you.”

Community Engagement: Many successful applicants highlight participation beyond their day jobs - service on boards, committees, community organizations, rural groups, voluntary work, or published articles.

Application Tips

From Nuffield Representatives:

  • "An average application doesn't get across how suited you are to being a Nuffield Scholar" - take time to spell check, grammar check, and read aloud
  • "Many applicants don't mention their above-and-beyond participation" - include all relevant community involvement
  • Get referees sorted early, as you cannot submit until both references are completed
  • "Understanding Nuffield's broader goals and objectives is crucial" - align your application with their mission of developing leaders who give back
  • Make use of your Regional Representative's support - they're there to help
  • Reach out to Nuffield alumni for advice and insights

Selection Criteria

“Selection is based on merit combining past experiences with application information and interview performance.” The Trust seeks candidates with:

  • Good communication skills
  • Enthusiasm about future developments in agriculture and rural sectors
  • Clear demonstration of leadership potential
  • No formal education background required - academic qualifications are NOT necessary

Recent Scholar Examples

2024 UK scholars researched topics including:

  • Farm diversification models and brand creation (Dr Natalie Hepburn, smallholder near Cardiff)
  • Climate change and land use adaptation
  • Circular farming systems to reduce waste
  • Carbon markets and carbon neutrality for farmers
  • Drought resilience strategies
  • Emerging technologies in agriculture

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Emphasize “giving back”: Frame your application around how the scholarship will benefit the agricultural sector and community, not just your personal development
  • Leadership over qualifications: Academic credentials are not required; demonstrating leadership potential and industry passion matters most
  • Highlight community involvement: Don't be modest about your participation in boards, committees, voluntary work, or published contributions
  • Use support networks: Take advantage of Regional Representatives and reach out to Nuffield alumni for guidance
  • Quality over speed: Applications open in January but don't rush - take time to craft a compelling, well-edited application that truly showcases your suitability
  • Strong references are crucial: Secure referees early and ensure they understand Nuffield's values of leadership development and knowledge sharing
  • Research alignment: Study recent scholar topics and annual reports to understand current priorities and demonstrate how your research fits the Trust's mission
  • Age window is critical: Ensure you meet the 25-45 age requirement (must be under 45 on July 31st in application year)

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