Cornell University and IICA strengthen partnership with the launch of the IICA-STARS Scholarship Program to support scientific research in the agricultural sector of the Americas

San José, Costa Rica, 29 October 2024 (IICA) – Cornell University, recognized as one of the top institutions of higher education in the United States, and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) have launched the IICA-STARS Scholarship Program, designed to support scientific research and strengthen agri-food systems across the Americas.

The program will focus on critical research areas for agricultural and rural development, covering topics such as agricultural inputs, technological change, and productivity enhancement. Additionally, it will prioritize studies on agri-food systems and value chains, examining their performance and evolution, as well as the links between food security, nutrition, health, and education, among other topics.

Participants in the launch event included Chris Barrett, Professor of Applied Economics and Management, and Kelsey Lynn Schreiber, Research Support Specialist at Cornell’s Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management and Manager of the STARS Program. IICA was represented by Director General Manuel Otero; Jorge Werthein, Special Advisor to the Director General; Beverly Best, Director of External and Institutional Relations; Eugenio Díaz-Bonilla, Advisor; Franklin Marín, Coordinator of the Center for Knowledge Management and Horizontal. Cooperation Services; and Jose Miguel Pérez, Strategic Partnerships Specialist.

Chris Barrett expressed optimism that this collaboration would offer opportunities for researchers throughout the Americas to work closely with Cornell’s academic and research personnel, allowing them to address the region’s agricultural challenges using advanced tools, methods, and theories. “We look forward to selecting the first STARS fellow in early 2025 and working together so that these future researchers can make significant contributions to agricultural development in the Americas. Thank you for your partnership and support,” said Barrett.

Schreiber noted that her work in the STARS Program allows her to closely engage with fellows, learning about their backgrounds and career goals, which helps in selecting research topics aimed at finding real-world solutions. “I also value when, after completing the fellowship or even during the program, they return to share achievements such as publications, grants, scholarships, awards, or conference presentations. This partnership with IICA will strengthen students’ formative experiences,” she expressed.

Otero emphasized that this type of policy-oriented research on factors contributing to productivity and income growth, asset accumulation, rural employment, and risk management in agriculture and rural spaces within low- and middle-income countries is vital to support IICA Member States in achieving agricultural development and rural well-being. “This initiative will provide young professionals from our Member States with the opportunity to develop skills in analysis and formulation of policies aimed at improving productivity and income for farmers in rural areas of the Americas,” stated the IICA Director General.

The dynamics of rurality, risk management, and resilience to crises, along with sustainable natural resource management, are also priority research areas for promoting inclusive and sustainable agricultural development to be advanced within this scholarship program.

During the launch event, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed to establish a fund that will attract fellows from IICA Member States to Cornell University. Sponsored by IICA, this fund will support policy-oriented research and create opportunities for fellows to work collaboratively with Cornell scientists.

The fellows will participate in scientific and policy conferences and professional development training to build international research networks.

Cornell and Agriculture

Founded in 1865, Cornell University is a globally recognized private research institution noted for academic excellence and its commitment to scientific and technological innovation. It has leading research centers in critical areas such as sustainability, health, engineering, and applied sciences, maintaining a strong commitment to economic development and social responsibility.

Cornell’s Structural Transformation of Agriculture and Rural Spaces (STARS) Program is dedicated to enhancing the productivity and sustainability of the agricultural sector and rural development. STARS focuses on applied research and collaboration with governments, communities, and international organizations to address the structural challenges of agriculture, including food security, climate change mitigation, and innovation in cultivation methods.

Through multidisciplinary projects, STARS works on policy design, technology transfer, and capacity-building to foster inclusive economic growth in rural areas.

More information:
Institutional Communication Division.
comunicacion.institucional@iica.int