University of Guelph Policy Fellowship

Policy Fellowship Program

The University of Guelph Policy Fellowship Program helps to bridge the gap between science and policy or practice. It connects decision-makers from government, industry and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with University of Guelph experts for focused conversation about issues in agriculture, food and biodiversity.

Fellows are matched with carefully selected faculty and staff who can provide insight on their key challenges. The program allows decision-makers to access cutting-edge research for informed policy decisions, to discuss complex challenges with peers and leading researchers, and to build networks of experts to advise on emerging needs.

99: Policy Fellowship Alumni
12: Cohorts to Date
8: Average Cohort Size

Become a Policy Fellow

Don't miss your opportunity to be at the forefront of policy innovation and drive real-world solutions. Apply now and be the change you want to see in the world. Applications are accepted throughout the year. Our organizing team will confirm that your application has been received and notify you about the decision timeline for selection and acceptance.

If you would like to nominate another candidate to become a Policy Fellow, please complete our nomination form to provide us with their name and contact information.

Complete Your Policy Fellowship Application

NOTE: Application questions are available under the Frequently Asked Questions section.

Upcoming Cohorts

Genomics and Climate Smart Agriculture (AG-ACt 2026 Offering)

Intake Details Coming Soon

I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my time in the University of Guelph Policy Fellowship program. Meeting with faculty to ask for their insights on my policy questions was a valuable and unique opportunity that I would highly encourage others to pursue. It was particularly interesting to meet with faculty from outside my normal circles and share insights and questions with the other Policy Fellows in my cohort.

Crystal MacKayPresident, Canadian Centre for Food Integrity | 2019 Policy Fellow

Tapping into the first-class expertise and talent at the University of Guelph has elevated my knowledge of this dynamic industry... dedicating an enriching three days to discuss high-level research and policy implications has formed lasting connections and opened new doors that I could not have anticipated before beginning the program.

Danielle CollinsPolicy Analyst, Ontario Federation of Agriculture | 2019 Policy Fellow

What a wonderful experience! The University of Guelph’s Policy Fellowship program provided an opportunity to have in-depth conversations with industry leaders including past fellows to gain incredible insight into policy development and how to influence policy. I would not have been able to access such breadth and scope in knowledge and experience and gain this understanding outside of the Fellowship. I not only have a much better understanding of how to influence policy, but also clear steps I can take to achieve better results.

Heather WatsonExecutive Director, Farm Management Canada | 2020 Policy Fellow

The University of Guelph Policy Fellowship program was an invaluable opportunity to form relationships with faculty and learn about their work. Sitting down with researchers in a comfortable and informal environment and engaging in stimulating discussions was a richer experience than being one in the crowd during a seminar or conference. It was also great to connect with, learn from and form relationships with my fellowship cohort. I would highly recommend this program to anyone in the Canadian agricultural policy field.

David HagartyAssistant Deputy Minister, Policy, OMAFRA | 2019 Policy Fellow

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can be a Policy Fellow?

Policy Fellowships are open to anyone who can make or influence decisions about issues related to agriculture, food and biodiversity in Canada. Priority will be given to applicants who are mid- to senior-career professionals working at the interface of science and policy in government, industry or NGOs (local, provincial or national in scope). Traditionally, cohorts have been composed of individuals working in food production, processing, retail, food security or environmental sustainability and biodiversity.

International Fellows are welcome to apply, but an additional fee for participation will apply. Please contact us to learn more.

What happens during a Fellowship?

Each Fellowship is unique, but typically takes place over 6 weeks and requires a commitment of approximately 15-20 total hours. Programming includes:

Week 1: Virtual: Kick-off meeting introducing your program team and the cohort fellows. In-Person: A full day of presentations/lectures from experts on key thematic topics; networking opportunities between decision-makers working in the theme area, and tours of relevant University of Guelph research facilities.
Weeks 2-5: Approximately 2 meetings per week (one-on-one or small group) with faculty or experts, who have been hand-picked by the organizing team to address the thematic questions you submit.
Week 6: Thematic roundtable discussions with other Fellows; closing meeting and debrief, and other activities as scheduled.

What are the benefits of participating?

This customized program offers an exceptional opportunity for Fellows to meet with world-class researchers, research institutes and University staff working in relevant disciplines. You will be matched with researchers who can speak to the key challenges you identify in your application – giving you an overview of the current state of the science, insight about future innovative research directions, and helping you to connect with experts working on relevant thematic issues.

Other benefits include:

Build long-term networks of experts to advise about issues that may emerge in the future
Share information about your key priorities with academic experts, potentially stimulating targeted new research
Network with peers from government, industry and civil society who have an interest in agri-food and biodiversity
Access to the University of Guelph research library for one year after your Fellowship
A better understanding of the University of Guelph ecosystem and focus areas
Ongoing networking opportunities with other Fellows
Updates about agri-food research, events and activities from the University of Guelph

How much does the program cost?

Registration for a fellowship is $499 CAN (including HST). Participants may apply for a Food from Thought bursary to cover the costs of participation; bursaries are limited in number and requests will be prioritized based on financial justification, fit with program goals and potential impact.

We also offer limited sponsorship opportunities for each cohort; contact us to learn more about whether this is right for your organization.

What does the application ask?

The online application form will ask for the following:

Contact information.
Thematic cohort of interest.
What are the top 3 to 5 challenges/questions you want to discuss during your Fellowship?
Why do you want to become a Fellow, and what goals do you aim to achieve during your Fellowship?
How will you use the knowledge gained during your Fellowship to shape policies, programs, or practices in your organization?
Attach your resume/CV.
How did you hear about the program?

How can I develop good policy questions on the application?

Because the Fellow’s questions influence the meetings and tours created for the program, it is very important that they are as detailed and focused as possible. When creating your questions:

Reflect on the key challenges your team or organization faces or anticipates facing in the future.
Choose questions that can be informed by science or research insights.
Consider providing a few sentences of background or context, to help us match you with the most appropriate researchers.
Share questions or key words that are specific enough to give our team the information necessary to match Fellows with relevant expertise.

If you would like to discuss your policy questions, please feel free to connect with the organizing team.

Partner on a Policy Fellowship

This unique opportunity revolves around the identification of a specific theme that holds immense potential for innovation and impact in related policy. By partnering with us, you'll have the chance to support and engage with University of Guelph experts and fellows who are passionate about driving positive change within the thematic focus. Your sponsorship will not only contribute to the success of the program but also position your organization as a forward-thinking leader in the industry, dedicated to fostering talent and making an impact. Join us in empowering decision-makers and be a part of a transformative journey. Your sponsorship will make a difference, and together, we can shape a brighter future.

Connect with us at policyfellows@uoguelph.ca to discuss your idea for a Thematic Policy Fellowship.

University of Guelph Policy Fellowship

Policy Fellowship Program

Become a Policy Fellow

Frequently Asked Questions

Partner on a Policy Fellowship

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