Applications are now open for the second round of the WA Agricultural Research Collaboration (WAARC) and Grower Group Alliance (GGA) Honours Partnership Program, with six scholarships on offer for students to undertake research that helps shape the future of Western Australian agriculture.
The program connects Honours students with grower groups across the State to tackle real-world agricultural challenges through applied research, while developing the next generation of researchers, innovators and industry leaders.
Following the successful launch of the inaugural program in 2026, Round 2 will offer six Honours scholarships across WAARC’s three member universities: Curtin University, Murdoch University and The University of Western Australia (UWA).
Each student will partner with a grower group to design and deliver research focused on industry priorities, with projects commencing in Semester 1 or 2, 2027.
The program is open to recent graduates entering Honours study, as well as people already working in agriculture who want to strengthen their applied research skills and industry networks through further study.
Successful students will receive a $10,000 scholarship, with up to $10,000 in additional funding to support approved travel, accommodation and project activities linked to regional engagement.
Participating grower groups will receive $10,000 to host a student and collaborate on research aligned with their priorities, while benefiting from fresh perspectives and emerging talent.
WAARC Capacity Building and Extension Program Lead Jenny Crisp said the strong interest in the inaugural program highlighted the benefits of connecting students and industry through research that delivered practical on-farm outcomes.
“The program gives students the opportunity to step beyond the university environment and work alongside growers, industry and regional communities to develop research that is grounded in real-world priorities,” Ms Crisp said.
“Working alongside grower groups helps students build the research, analytical and problem-solving skills that are highly sought after across industry, while strengthening the talent pipeline for Western Australia’s agriculture and food sector.”
GGA Chief Executive Officer Rikki Foss said grower groups played a vital role in ensuring research remained relevant and connected to industry needs.
“Grower groups bring deep local knowledge, strong industry networks and first-hand insights into the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture,” Ms Foss said.
“Investing in people is one of the best investments we can make in the future of agriculture, and programs like this build the skills, relationships and capability needed to support a strong, innovative and grower-led sector.”
Applications for prospective students and grower groups open on Tuesday, 22 September 2026 and close Tuesday, 8 December 2026 at 5pm (AWST).
WAARC and GGA will host an information webinar on Tuesday, 13 October 2026 at 10am (AWST) for prospective students, university supervisors and grower groups who would like to learn more about the program and ask questions.
Visit the Round 2 Honours Partnership Program webpage for more details about the webinar and application process: Honours Partnership Program 2027 | WA Agricultural Research Collaboration
WAARC is backed by $25 million in State Government funding to boost Western Australia’s research capacity and support a resilient, internationally competitive agricultural sector.