London, UK – For over 75 years, the Nuffield Farming Scholarship has been a transformative force in the lives of agricultural professionals, and now, the 2027 applications are officially open. With a deadline of Thursday, July 30, 2026, the scholarship offers a unique opportunity for individuals in the poultry sector to step away from daily routines, travel internationally, and investigate a topic they are passionate about, before bringing their insights back to UK agriculture.
The egg-specific scholarship, funded annually by the BEMB Research and Education Trust, has been awarded to a Nuffield Scholar every year since 1974. The Trust’s remit is to advance hen and duck egg production in the UK, and it has pursued this aim through sponsoring PhD students and supporting Nuffield Scholars. Scholars have formed the Nuffield Poultry Group, which represents an estimated 80% of the UK poultry industry, meeting regularly and organizing international study tours for its members.
Unlike many funded study programs, the Nuffield Scholarship has no fixed curriculum. Scholars design their own research question and international itinerary, allowing them to focus on issues that genuinely matter to them. Recent poultry scholars have explored topics such as biosecurity, sustainable production, global supply chain resilience, and industry innovation, visiting farms, feed mills, and agricultural businesses across multiple countries. Around 25 scholarships are awarded each year, each with a substantial bursary to fund the travel and study involved, with no academic qualifications required. Eligible applicants are aged 25 to 45 and work in or influence the food, farming, horticulture, and rural industries.
Past scholars have praised the scholarship’s lasting impact on their careers and perspectives. Sylwia Sobolewska, a 2023 Nuffield Scholar and now secretary of the Nuffield Poultry Group, said, “Being a 2023 Nuffield Scholar was an amazing experience which broadened my industry knowledge and had influence on my future career… For me, the Nuffield journey is a lifelong experience.” John Shiels, a 2026 Scholar, echoed this, stating, “The experience has broadened my perspective, challenged my thinking, and helped me better understand the role I can play in driving positive impact.”
The application process requires candidates to submit their forms with two references by the deadline. All applicants who attend an interview receive a result letter, and new Scholars are announced on the Nuffield Farming website and in the media. The Trust is also hosting drop-in sessions for prospective applicants, bookable via email, for those unsure whether to apply. As one of the most prestigious opportunities in the agricultural calendar, the Nuffield Poultry Scholarship is a standout chance for those looking to advance their careers and contribute to the industry’s future.
