Monsanto's Beachell-Borlaug International Scholars Program (MBBISP) will be accepting applications through Feb. 1, 2012 for its fourth round of funding. 

The program is a competitive grant for students pursuing their Ph.D. in rice or wheat plant breeding.

The goal of the program is to develop highly educated breeders in these staple crops, while providing an international opportunity to experience the work and mission of the public sector. 

The program requires students enrolled in a developing country university to complete part of their research in a developed country — Australia, Canada, the United States, or Western Europe. 

For students obtaining their degrees in a developed country, they must conduct at least one season of field work in a developing country. 

The program was established to honor the accomplishments of Dr. Henry Beachell and Dr. Norman Borlaug, who pioneered plant breeding and research in rice and wheat, respectively.   

Though Monsanto funds the $10 million grant, Texas AgriLife Research administers the program 

Students interested in applying to the program can find more details at http://www.monsanto.com/mbbischolars or contact Ed Runge at e-runge@tamu.edu.