Provision of Services for the Management and Delivery of the John Dillon Fellowship Program

Established in 2002 in recognition of Professor John L Dillon’s lifelong commitment to agricultural research, the John Dillon Fellowship (JDF) supports the professional development of outstanding mid-senior career agricultural scientists, economists and researchers. Fellows, who are from ACIAR partner countries, plus a small number from Australia, are generally taking part in or have recently worked on an ACIAR research project. They participate in a blended learning experience of intensive professional training courses, visits to relevant Australian organisations, and exposure to relevant industry professionals to expand their network.

Since 2018 the Fellowship program has comprised a 4-6 week residential stay in Australia including: one-week hosted with an Australian organisation such as an Australian government?department, university, or?research centre; formal training in: leadership, media, communications, policy, and project management; a program of visits to Australian organisations across the government, public and private sector; and exposure to relevant researchers, industry experts and professionals.

The high-level outcomes of the JDF Program are that “Agriculture professional (all genders) from our partner countries have enhanced skills, more experience, and expanded links”.

The indicative outcomes from each cohort are that:

(i)John Dillon Fellows have increased leadership and management skills

(ii)John Dillon fellows develop and expand networks for collaborative agricultural research

(iii)John Dillon Fellows are more confident and ambitious

(iv)John Dillon Fellows have an expanded world view and greater life experience

(v)ACIAR’s partner institutions have a more skilled and qualified workforce with stronger networks with Australia.