New Innovator in Food & Agriculture Research Award

The New Innovator in Food & Agriculture Research Award provides early-career scientists in food and agriculture research with project funding to launch independent research careers. Awards support faculty in tenure-track positions with research that addresses significant food and agriculture challenges and directly benefits U.S. agricultural interests. Selected grantees receive multi-year funding contingent on availability of FFAR programmatic funds. The program does not require matching funds from applicants.

Up to $150,000 per year for up to three years (total up to $450,000); no matching funds required; multi-year project support and related disbursements contingent on reporting and fund availability.

Nominated faculty must have been hired on or after August 1, 2022 for a tenure-track or equivalent position and be within eight years of receiving a Ph.D. Individuals with significant prior research experience (substantial grants or >$1M project funding during their tenure position or similar career development awards) are not eligible; institutions may submit one nominee to the 2026 program. The proposed research must directly benefit U.S. agricultural interests.

Institutions submit one nominee and develop an application for the nominated faculty member; applications are submitted via FFAR's application portal.