Global Opportunity Initiative

The Global Opportunity Initiative is a cohort-based faculty development program geared towards capacity building, network development, and building teams to pursue global funding initiatives.

CALS Global will work with faculty to simplify complex research challenges, refine their research pitch, build collaboration and networking skills, and network with agencies, NGOs, and contractors active in global engagement.

The objectives of the Global Opportunity Initiative are to:

• Empower College of Agriculture and Life Sciences faculty to deepen global awareness, form global networks, and successfully compete for global funding.
• Build CALS’ capacity to be a leader in global engagement. 

Apply to be a 2024 Global Fellow

The 2024 Global Opportunity Initiative cohort will be built around a theme of “community engaged research and outreach for impact.”  The deadline to apply is December 8, 2023.

Faculty selected to participate in the 2024 cohort will participate in two capacity-building and learning sessions on campus and one in Washington, DC during January – May 2024. The capstone experience will be a 12-14 day trip to Ethiopia during June 2024 to work directly with prospective partners - including researchers, community organizations, private sector, and government. Engagement with partners in Ethiopia is intended to continue well past our return to Blacksburg. Lunch and Learn sessions will be hosted during the semester to review and discuss training materials, Ethiopian culture and country context, and other related topics. CALS Global leadership will participate with the cohort as mentors and facilitators.

We will select up to six early-career “GOI Fellows”.  The following criteria will determine eligibility:

• Tenured and tenure-track CALS Assistant and Associate Professors within four years post-tenure are eligible. Non-TT faculty, including VCE faculty with responsibilities for resource generation may also apply. Postdoctoral associates and others in temporary positions are not eligible to apply.
• Applications will be evaluated on:
  • qualifications and success to date,
  • disciplinary fit with the objectives for the cohort,
  • candidate contribution to disciplinary diversity within the cohort, and
  • candidate statement and likelihood of continued global engagement.

CALS Global Fellows will learn and experience how to:

• Simplify complex research challenges and identify new areas for high impact research and outreach
• Refine your pitch
• Build your collaboration and networking skills
• Work with like-minded CALS faculty with a focus on global engagement
• Network with agencies, NGOs, and private sector actors active in global and local community food and health systems
• Partner with colleagues globally to develop high-impact collaborations

If you are selected, be prepared for an adventure! Part of our time in Ethiopia will involve overland travel by vehicle. During these times, cell and wifi access may be nonexistent, food choices are likely to be limited, and accommodations may be spartan. Please check the Centers for Disease Control website regarding immunization recommendations.

Expectations for CALS Global Fellows are as follows (no exceptions):

• Attend and participate fully in three sessions in Blacksburg and Washington DC.
• Attend at least two-thirds of the “lunch and learn” sessions
• Travel to Ethiopia (Addis Ababa and Jimma) during June 2024 and engage with partners.
• Seek continued engagement with partners and colleagues after our return
• Help promote the program within CALS
• Provide feedback on the program and achieved outcomes

To apply, submit your application no later than December 8, 2023 through the Submittable portal.  Applications require:

• Career CV
• Your current research/teaching/extension focus areas
• Statement of interest in global engagement, including future aspirations.  Please address how your expertise will connect with the theme of the cohort.
• Statement of support from department head/unit leader, including a commitment to provide $2,500 of cost-sharing

Submitting your application signifies that you have read and understand all of the program expectations.