EARLY CAREER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT BURSARY

Developing future leaders in ruminant nutrition through structured professional development

We are pleased to invite applications for the 2026 AARN Early-Career Professional Development Bursary, an initiative designed to support and develop the next generation of ruminant nutrition professionals across Australia.

This bursary has been established to strengthen the capability, leadership, and impact of individuals working within the ruminant nutrition sector. Through a tailored 12-month professional development program, successful applicants will have the opportunity to advance their technical expertise, broaden their industry experience, and build meaningful professional networks across research, extension, and in the field.

The program is specifically aimed at early-career professionals who demonstrate a strong commitment to improving livestock productivity, profitability, and sustainability. It supports individuals who are passionate about applying technical knowledge and translating science into practical outcomes for farmers, contributing to the long-term success of the Australian livestock industry.

Recipients of the bursary will be supported by relevant AARN Members or industry partners to design and undertake a customised development plan, which may include formal training, industry placements, study tours, mentorship, or applied research activities. In return, participants are expected to contribute back to the sector by sharing their knowledge, developing extension materials, and engaging with the broader farming and AARN community.

This initiative also forms part of the broader AARN Ruminant Nutrition Capability Pathway, supporting professionals transitioning from intermediate to advanced levels of technical expertise and leadership within the ruminant nutrition industry.

Applications Close Friday September 11th 2026

Eligible Candiates

Candidates Requirements

Bursary Funding

Application Requirements

Applicants will be required to submit:

A two-page proposal outlining:

Topic area and summary;
Proposed development plan with tentative date for key milestone achievements (maximum 12 months);
Required budget outlining key expense items of the development plan
Expected learning outcomes;
Value to the candidate’s career and industry
A three-minute video presentation introducing yourself, the key experiences that have shaped your career, why you are applying, how the program will support your development, how you will contribute to the industry, and your future aspirations.
Curriculum vitae
Letter of reference from employer or supervisor.

Assessement

Candidates will be assessed against:

Demonstrated interest, commitment, and motivation to make a meaningful contribution to the ruminant nutrition sector.
Clear motivation to contribute to productivity, profitability, and sustainability of production systems and sector.
Evidence of leadership potential and professional initiative.
Quality of proposed development plan and learning objectives.
Support from employer or host organisation (where applicable).
Alignment with the values and objectives of AARN.

Selection process

The bursary is intended for applicants whose technical capabilities align with Tier 2 or Tier 3 of the AARN Ruminant Nutrition Capability Pathway. Relevant courses and programs from these tiers may be incorporated into the proposed development plan