The USDA-FSIS Graduate Student Food Safety Fellowship 2026 is now open for applications, offering doctoral students in the United States a unique opportunity to contribute to national food safety research while receiving generous financial support. This prestigious fellowship is administered through the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
Designed for students pursuing advanced research careers, the fellowship allows participants to develop innovative solutions that strengthen food safety systems, improve public health, and support science-based decision-making across the U.S. food supply chain.
Why This Fellowship Matters
Food safety remains one of the most important public health priorities in the United States. Through this fellowship, selected doctoral students will work on research projects aligned with USDA-FSIS priorities, helping address critical challenges in meat, poultry, and egg product safety.
Participants will gain real-world experience in government-backed research, build professional networks, and present findings directly to senior leaders and scientists at FSIS.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- $1,800 monthly stipend
- $6,000 total funding for travel or research supplies
- One-year appointment (renewable based on funding and performance)
- Flexible start date beginning August 3, 2026
- Mentorship from university and FSIS experts
- Opportunity to visit FSIS laboratories and regulated food establishments
- Exposure to national food safety policy and scientific decision-making
- Strong academic and professional networking opportunities
Research Areas
Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals aligned with USDA-FSIS food safety priorities, including:
- Chemical hazard detection and intervention strategies
- Pathogen detection and foodborne illness prevention
- Whole genome sequencing and antimicrobial resistance research
- Food contamination prevention
- Animal welfare studies
- Label verification methods
- Consumer food handling education
- Data analytics in food safety
- Laboratory and non-laboratory food safety studies
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, candidates must:
- Be currently pursuing a doctoral degree
- Study food science, food safety, public health, veterinary medicine, or related disciplines
- Be enrolled in an accredited U.S. institution
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Demonstrate research interest in food safety
- Have strong communication skills
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Completed online application
- Unofficial transcript(s)
- Current resume/CV
- 500-word essay describing proposed research project
- Letter of support from university major professor/mentor
- One additional educational or professional recommendation
- All documents must be submitted in English
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: June 5, 2026, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time
- Expected Start Date: August 3, 2026
How to Apply
Applicants should submit their application through the official ORISE opportunity portal.
For more information about this apportunity, click here.
Discover more fellowship opportunities, click here.
Pro Tip for Applicants
Focus your 500-word essay on a practical food safety challenge and clearly explain how your research can improve the safety of the U.S. food supply. Strong, impact-driven proposals are more competitive.
Final Thoughts
The USDA-FSIS Graduate Student Food Safety Fellowship 2026 is an outstanding opportunity for doctoral students seeking funding, mentorship, and national-level research exposure. If your passion lies in protecting public health through science, this fellowship could be a major step forward in your academic and professional journey.
