If you’re passionate about entrepreneurship, sustainable agriculture, and innovative food supply models, here’s your golden opportunity. The Teagasc Walsh Scholarship 2025—hosted by Cork University Business School (CUBS), University College Cork, and Teagasc—is now open for applications for a fully funded PhD titled:
“Entrepreneurial Value Streams: Strengthening Producer Capacity for Short Food Supply Chains (SFSCs) to Enhance Sustainability and Scaling of the Irish Agri-Food Sector”
Reference Number: 2023003
What This PhD is About?
This dynamic research project aims to reimagine how Irish agri-producers can leverage short food supply chains (SFSCs)—supported by ICT tools—to unlock new value streams, strengthen local economies, and advance low-carbon, community-focused agriculture.
Through immersive, applied research with Teagasc and the BIA Innovator Campus, the chosen scholar will:
- Investigate how entrepreneurial strategies can transform the agri-food sector.
- Work directly with rural communities and food producers to analyze SFSC business models.
- Shape future pathways for sustainable food systems in Ireland and beyond.
Research Objectives
The successful PhD candidate will explore five core research goals:
- Understand what motivates agri-food producers and assess their economic viability.
- Identify smart, short, and sustainable food supply chain models.
- Bridge the producer-consumer gap from “farm to fork.”
- Unpack the barriers and enablers (including digital tools) in SFSC adoption.
- Cultivate collaborative ecosystems for innovation and network-building.
Teagasc Walsh Scholarship Value & Duration
- Annual Funding: €31,000
- University Fees: Covered up to €6,000 per annum
- Annual Stipend: €25,000
- Duration: 4 years (subject to satisfactory progress)
Location of Study
- Year 1: Cork University Business School (CUBS), University College Cork (UCC)
- Years 2-4: Teagasc, Athenry Campus (for field research and community engagement)
Who Can Apply?
Candidates should meet the following criteria:
- Hold (or be expecting) a First Class or Upper Second-Class Honours degree in a relevant subject (e.g., Business Management, Entrepreneurship, Supply Chain Management, or Psychology).
- MSc holders are preferred but not required.
- Keen interest in entrepreneurship, supply chains, and regional development.
- Must demonstrate excellent communication skills and research potential.
- For non-native English speakers:
- IELTS: Overall 6.5 (with no section < 6.0)
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum 90 (Listening: 20, Reading: 19, Speaking: 21, Writing: 20).
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the Teagasc Walsh PhD Scholarship on SFSCs and Irish Agri-Food Sustainability is 5pm, June 30th, 2025.