CLIFF-GRADS Fellowship

The Climate, Food and Farming, Global Research Alliance Development Scholarships Programme (CLIFF-GRADS) is a joint initiative of the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA) and Mitigate+: Research for Low Emissions Food Systems (Mitigate+).

CLIFF-GRADS builds capability in early career scientists from low- and middle-income countries to conduct applied research in agriculture greenhouse gas emission quantification and mitigation. During short research stays of up to 6 months, CLIFF-GRADS awardees are exposed to expertise and scientific training at their host institute that they would not otherwise receive during their PhD in their home country.

Specific techniques they may learn include (but are not limited to) remote sensing, data surveys, and measurement of greenhouse gas emissions. Topics advertised in the Programme are related to the measurement, modelling and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, or carbon storage in agricultural systems relevant to developing countries (also in the context of enhancing food security).

Research is conducted in association with Mitigate+ and GRA scientists and partner organisations and host to student matches are dependent on the students’ and host institutions’ research interests and suitability for the Programme.

Since 2017, 176 students from 32 developing countries have received CLIFF-GRADS awards. The CLIFF-GRADS Programme is more than just an academic experience, students have the opportunity to establish new academic and professional connections, experience a new culture, maybe learn a new language, and challenge themselves through immersion in a community that is very different to their own. Read on for thoughts on the CLIFF-GRADS Programme from our Alumni.

“Because of the contacts I made in CLIFF-GRADS program I am receiving more opportunities that are enriching my professional background.”

Fernanda Leite (Brazil) was hosted in 2021 by INTA – Argentina

“Without mincing words, CLIFF-GRADS is the best thing that has ever happened to my career as a young scientist. With this program, I had exposure to better learning environments, better learning facilities and experienced, expert supervision.

Many may call it a short research stay; I call it a big stay with long-term impact. Soon the entire global community are going to feel great impact and be better off with continuous research result and contribution from the CLIFF-GRADS alumni.”

Ahmed Olanrewaju Aliyu (Nigeria) was hosted in 2021 by Bangor University – UK

Click the links below to find out more about CLIFF-GRADS:

• Round 6 awardees (2023-2024)
• Round 5 awardees (2022-2023)
• Round 4 awardees (2020-2021)
• Round 3 awardees (2020-2021)
• Round 2 awardees (2019)
• Round 1 awardees (2018)
• CLIFF-GRADS Publications
• CLIFF-GRADS Testimonials
• CLIFF-GRADS 2020 Webinar Series
• Interview with Ekaterina Bessonova from the CLIFF-GRADS initiative
• CLIFF-GRADS 2021-2022 Science Collaboration Series
• COP27 side event: ‘Building capacity for climate research in the next generation of scientific leaders’

In partnership with the IPCC Scholarship Programme.