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Description:

In its 9th year, the 2020-2021 Danone North America Gut Microbiome, Yogurt and Probiotics Fellowship Grant is accepting applications!

Danone North America (“Danone”), will award $25,000 to two graduate students interested in exploring the gut microbiome, probiotics and yogurt to better understand how they help support and maintain human health and wellness.*

Since its inception, the Danone North America Fellowship Grant has enabled up-and-coming scientists to make strides in the interdisciplinary fields of biology, health sciences, nutrition, microbiome, yogurt and probiotics.

This year’s winners will be selected by a cross-functional panel of experts, including:

Mary Ellen Sanders, Ph.D, Dairy and Food Culture Technologies Consultant, and Executive Director of the International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP)

Michael D. Gershon, M.D., Professor, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, Vagelos College of P&S

Miguel Freitas, Ph.D, Vice President of Scientific Affairs, Danone North America

Danone will be accepting applications from graduate students starting on December 3, 2020 until February 15, 2021. The winner will be notified on April 1, 2021.

For additional information and qualification requirements, please refer to the application here. We look forward to reviewing your application!

*Candidates are encouraged to submit an application for their investigation or study of the gut microbiome, probiotics and yogurt as related to human health. The intent of the grant is not for disease treatment or clinical management; those addressing health and wellness will be prioritized. These can include the study of longevity, growth and development, and performance.

ONLINE APPLICATION COPY

Danone North America, is awarding two graduate students a grant of $25,000 each. The successful candidates should excel in science and have an interest in studying the gut microbiome, probiotics and yogurt in human health and wellness (the “Field”). Applicants are encouraged to submit a proposal for a study that explores measures of human health and wellness. The grant is not designed for the investigation of disease treatment or clinical management and should focus on health and wellness, long-term health and longevity, growth and development, or performance. Such topics may include the role that probiotics or yogurt play on brain function, growth and development, digestive health, weight management or heart health; and factors, such as foods or nutrients, that influence the gut microbiome.

The award may be applied towards tuition or research-related projects or as otherwise allocated at Danone’s sole discretion. It will be payable directly to the student’s educational institution to support their continued education on related topics during 2021.

Each candidate must meet the following requirements:

• Be an incoming, current and full-time enrolled graduate student, at least 18 years of age, studying in the Field (as defined above) during the 2020-2021 academic year at an accredited U.S. Institution.
• Be in good standing in the college or university, as well as major program of study. Confirmation letter from department chair, dean or institution’s graduate studies, registrar or admissions office required.
• Be a current U.S. citizen (proof of citizenship is required) or permanent U.S. resident (proof of residency is required). Acceptable documents include copy of the student’s passport or green card.
• Upload completed application online within the allotted acceptance period December 3, 2020 to February 14, 2021. Includes:
• Written essays (questions provided below)
• Official transcript from current institution or immediate past university if an incoming graduate student
• CV or resume
• One letter of recommendation received from faculty member or advisor by February 24, 2021.
• Utilization of grant funds must begin in 2021.

Student applications will be judged by an external committee based on:

• Strength of project proposal
• Relevance and feasibility of the project objectives, methodology and outcome measures
• Evidence of ability and resources to successfully complete proposed project
• Value to the Field (as defined above)
• Academic performance
• Letter of recommendation