Promoting food security and economic growth by providing training and collaborative research opportunities to fellows from developing and middle-income countries.
The Borlaug Fellowship Program honors Norman E. Borlaug, the American agronomist, humanitarian and Nobel laureate known as the “father of the Green Revolution.” Borlaug fellows are generally scientists, researchers, or policymakers who are in the early or middle stages of their careers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture program connects fellows for a one-on-one mentorship at a U.S. university, research center or government agency, usually for 8-12 weeks. The U.S. mentor will later visit the fellow’s home institution to continue collaboration.
2004
Program launched
45
Cornell Borlaug Fellows
16
Countries
Algeria, Bulgaria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Kenya, Mexico, Montenegro, Morocco, Rwanda, Serbia, South Africa, Uruguay and Zimbabwe
Get Involved
Cornell faculty interested in mentoring a Fellow, please contact Polly Endreny Holmberg with a CV and proposed program including institutional capacity statement.
Contact Information

Associate Director, Professional Development Programs
Department of Global Development
- peh58 [at] cornell.edu
Meet our recent Borlaug Fellows
Dr. Yemisrach Abebaw
Researcher, Ethiopian Agricultural Biotechnology Institute
Dr. Abebaw is working on agricultural biotechnology, including communications, advocacy, and regulatory dimensions.
Faculty mentor: Sarah Evanega
Alfayo Kayo
Senior Plant Health Inspector, Kenyan Plant Inspection Service
His research is focused on increasing adoption of genetically engineered crops and food in Kenya.
Faculty mentor: Geoffrey Jaffe