The WA Agricultural Research Collaboration (WAARC) is offering a 2026 Churchill Fellowship for a mid-career researcher, or passionate individual working in the agricultural sector, to pursue bold global ideas and bring home insights that advance WA agriculture.
The WAARC-supported Fellow will design their own international program, undertaking four to eight weeks of fully funded travel at a time that best suits their project.
They will meet leading experts, communities and organisations tackling global agricultural challenges and return with practical ideas and innovations.
WAARC is investing about $35,000 in the Fellowship which supports its mission to grow innovation, research capability, industry-ready skills and collaboration to enhance our State’s agricultural resilience and productivity.
The Fellowship also complements WAARC’s broader investment in emerging research leaders, including its Postgraduate Research Scholarship Program and new Honours Partnership Program with Grower Group Alliance.
WAARC Director Kelly Pearce said these capacity-building initiatives, including the Churchill Fellowship, reflected a long-term investment in people who would explore, learn, share and lead lasting change for WA agriculture.
“This Fellowship is designed for Western Australian residents who are curious, collaborative and motivated by global knowledge exchange,” Dr Pearce said.
“It is a life-changing opportunity to advance your professional development, challenge your thinking, build global networks and return with ideas that spark positive change and real impact for the WA agrifood sector.
“WAARC is seeking applicants who are passionate about exploring emerging opportunities and innovative approaches, and who are committed to sharing their learnings to deliver practical benefits for WA farmers and industry.”
Applications open 27 February 2026 at 9am and close 30 April at 5pm (AWST).
Applicants should outline how their Fellowship will address a key challenge in the WA agricultural sector, how learnings will be shared on return and the potential for positive community impact.
The Churchill Trust will host in-person information sessions on 5 and 7 March in Perth to help applicants understand the process and develop strong proposals, with registrations available via the Churchill Trust website.
Attendees will hear directly from recent Fellows about their experiences and have an opportunity to ask questions.
A recording of the Agriculture, Horticulture and Food online information session held in early February, is also available on the Churchill Trust YouTube channel.
“Fellows are everyday people doing extraordinary things – curious, courageous and deeply committed to their communities,” Churchill Trust Chief Executive Officer Christine Dacey said.
“There’s no place for imposter syndrome here – back yourself in and be bold.
“This isn’t just a trip overseas – it’s an investment in your big vision and your big swing at making a change in the world.”
Established in 2022 through a $25 million State Government investment, WAARC brings together government, industry and universities to tackle the State’s biggest agricultural challenges and opportunities including climate resilience, productivity, sustainability, biosecurity and workforce renewal.
Dr Sullivan’s Churchill Fellowship explored systems and structures that support sustainable Indigenous beef production. She said it was an amazing experience that opened doors to unexpected opportunities, while expanding her knowledge and industry network at an international level.