Biotech Updates

Gates Foundation Gives USD1 Million to the Borlaug Scholars Fund

November 6, 2009

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has made a contribution of USD 1 million to the Borlaug International Scholars Fund to train future international agricultural leaders. This gift was the first major donation to the memorial fund, which was established through the nonprofit Texas A&M Foundation. The Scholars Fund helps students from developing countries pursue graduate studies in agriculture, rural development and related fields at Texas A&M and other U.S. land-grant universities.

"The grant to the Borlaug International Scholars Fund will allow students with demonstrated commitment to fighting global hunger further their educations," said Dr. Don Doering, a program officer in the Agricultural Development initiative at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. "Training future generations of scientists is crucial to helping millions of small farmers and their families lift themselves out of hunger and poverty with new knowledge and tools."

"[The contribution] will give promising students the tools and motivation to be leaders in worldwide agricultural development. It honors a great visionary and ensures his critical work will continue. We're honored to manage this endowment on behalf of Dr. Borlaug and his family," said Ed Davis, president of the Texas A&M Foundation.

For more information, read http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=1511