The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) awards this graduate fellowship through its Feeding Tomorrow Fund, endowed by the late IFT member Dr. Elwood F. Caldwell.
It pays a one-year stipend to a full-time master’s or PhD student whose food science research tackles future needs of the global food system. The fellow stays at their own university and is titled an Elwood Caldwell Fellow.
Benefits & funding
- US$25,000 stipend for 12 months (2026 press release; also the 2025 award on the winners page).
- Paid in two instalments through the department or institution; no fringe benefits, tuition waiver or other expenses.
- Unused funds must be returned if you stop studying during the year; the award cannot be deferred and can be revoked for misconduct or false information.
Eligibility
- Full-time, second-year student in a master’s or PhD program in food science and technology at an accredited institution.
- Research focused on future needs and challenges of the global food system.
- Open to international and U.S. students alike; no nationality or residence rule.
- A shown commitment to the science of food (IFT membership counts, but is not required).
- Current or former IFT or sponsor staff and board members, and close relatives of a sponsor, may be refused.
Application process
- 1Submit the single annual Feeding Tomorrow application, in English, by the deadline; it also considers you for other scholarships you qualify for, but you can receive only one.
- 2Include a transcript; any legible copy is accepted at first.
- 3If selected, return the acceptance form in May.
Program timeline
2 March 2026
Last deadline (2026 cycle)
Recipients notified
April
Acceptance form due
May
Next cycle opens
January 2027