Features Agronomy Pulses
Syngenta establishes new PhD scholarship

Jan. 11, 2012 – yngenta Canada Inc. is pleased to announce the Syngenta Graduate Research Award in Pulse Production, a $15,000 scholarship being made available to a University of Saskatchewan doctoral candidate whose research pertains to improving pulse quality and/or yield. The scholarship will be awarded to a student beginning his or her full-time doctoral studies at the University in September 2012.

"The Syngenta Graduate Research Award in Pulse Production supports a number of our priority goals, including the promotion and development of the pulse industry, as well as continued research and innovation within agriculture,” stated Duane Johnson, Head, Commercial Unit, Western Canada for Syngenta. “Given the leadership position exhibited by University of Saskatchewan researchers and students in pulse advancements over the years, Syngenta is very interested in seeing where the recipient of this scholarship may take the industry next."

To be eligible for the scholarship, candidates must be pursuing doctoral research that is focused on improving pea, lentil and/or chickpea production, such as varietal development, genetic research, production efficiencies, or any other area that is intended to enhance either pulse quality or yield.  A requirement for the scholarship application is the submission of an essay on the importance of pulse production to feeding the world and the relevancy of the candidate’s research to this topic.

"We are sincerely grateful to Syngenta for establishing this generous scholarship that will support the pulse industry through innovation in agriculture,” said Dean Mary Buhr, University of Saskatchewan College of Agriculture and Bioresources. “This Syngenta investment will both develop innovative solutions and train future leaders to help meet the needs of a healthy and growing world."

Applications for the Syngenta Graduate Research Award in Pulse Production will be accepted in the spring of 2012, with the successful recipient being chosen by an awards committee appointed by the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Bioresources at University of Saskatchewan. The $15,000 will be divided into annual allocations to provide support for the duration of the recipient’s doctoral program.

Complete details of the scholarship as well as eligibility requirements and application details will be available at www.agbio.usask.ca in April 2012.

Syngenta is one of the world's leading companies with more than 26,000 employees in over 90 countries dedicated to our purpose: Bringing plant potential to life. Through world-class science, global reach and commitment to our customers we help to increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life. For more information about us please go to www.syngenta.com.