Gus Poesch Research Fund - Student Travel Grant

The Gus Poesch Research Fund - Student Travel Grant supports floriculture graduate students from The Ohio State University in presenting their research. Grants up to $1,500 are available for educational travel and require submission of an abstract. Successful applicants must report on their trip and acknowledge funding in all publications. This initiative enhances research dissemination and fosters professional development in the floral industry, which faces ongoing challenges in pest management and production efficiency.

About the Gus Poesch Research Fund
The Gus Poesch Research Fund was established in honor of a true innovator and stimulator of research, and an influential educator and respected businessman, Gus Poesch.
Our Focus
Reduced labor, production efficiency, improved pest management practices, and improved postharvest quality and efficiency lead to increased profits for growers. Challenges related to these issues face the floral industry every day. The American Floral Endowment has supported industry-driven and industry-focused research for over 60 years, thanks to industry support. Today, AFE focuses on the needs of the floral industry now and in the future by supporting projects.
These projects address key needs of the industry from Thrips and Botrytis control to developing the next generation of anti-ethylene control and development of disease-resistant plants. Results from the ongoing projects are shared with the industry in trade magazine publications, electronic newsletters, conferences, and trade shows, and here on the AFE website. Additionally, research findings are presented monthly through AFE’s Grow Pro Webinar Series. These webinars are free to attend thanks to industry sponsorships and include time for direct Q&A with the researchers.

Eligibility

Projects meeting these objectives will be considered for funding:Funding of floriculture graduate student travel to present research papers as a representative of The Ohio State University. Travel grant requests must not exceed $1,500 and must include a copy of the abstract being presented.
Funding of educational travel (domestic and international) of young floriculture faculty at The Ohio State University.If funded, researchers agrees to:Submit a written article/report following the trip with photos that will be used in AFE’s newsletter and other communications.
Provide acknowledgment of funding by the American Floral Endowment in all publications and presentations.
Join and participate in AFE’s Young Professionals Council (YPC) activities.