Recognizing outstanding achievement in the communication of agricultural science and technology to the public, policymakers, and news media.
The CAST Science Communication Scholarship is an annual award recognizing excellence in communicating agricultural science. Each year, CAST awards one student with a $1,000 scholarship for their outstanding ability to translate complex agricultural topics into messages that are clear, accurate, creative, and impactful.
This award reflects CAST’s mission to advance science-based communication and to support the next generation of leaders shaping the future of food, agriculture, and the environment. Applications are reviewed by representatives from CAST’s Animal, Plant, and Food Work Groups, ensuring a multidisciplinary and science-driven evaluation.
The scholarship is presented annually at the CAST Awards Ceremony at the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C., alongside the Borlaug CAST Communication Award (BCCA) and the CAST Lifetime Achievement Award (CLAA). December 10 marks the anniversary of Dr. Norman Borlaug’s Nobel Peace Prize acceptance in 1970.
U.S.-based recipients receive travel sponsorship to attend in person; international recipients participate virtually.
Recognizing outstanding achievement in the communication of agricultural science and technology to the public, policymakers, and news media.
Supporting the next generation of agricultural science communicators at the student level.
CAST’s premier annual honor — recognizing mid-career professionals bridging science and society.
CAST’s honor — for sustained, career-long impact at the national or international level.
The 2026 scholarship will be presented on December 10, 2026 — the anniversary of Dr. Norman Borlaug’s Nobel Peace Prize acceptance in 1970, alongside the BCCA and CLAA.
Applications are reviewed by representatives from CAST’s Animal, Plant, and Food Work Groups, ensuring a multidisciplinary and science-driven evaluation. Applicants are scored on four equal dimensions:
How effectively complex science is explained in accessible, jargon-free language.
Accuracy
Adherence to scientific rigor and factual correctness throughout all submitted work.
Creativity
Innovative use of formats, storytelling, or media channels to reach target audiences.
Impact
Demonstrated reach or influence on diverse audiences — farmers, consumers, policymakers, or the general public.
The scholarship is open to Undergraduate, Graduate, and Professional CAST Student Members. Both domestic and international students are eligible.
A complete application must include all of the following:
Ph.D. Student, Agricultural, Environmental & Development Economics | The Ohio State University
Baral’s research focuses on circular economics — recycling, composting, and food waste — and how communication affects whether people actually participate in sustainability programs. Her Can Fairy program served Columbus, Ohio households with weekly curbside recycling pickup, prizes for clean collections, and a steady stream of creative content designed to make recycling specific, approachable, and personal.
In her words: “People usually do not ignore science because they do not care. Often, they just cannot translate it into daily decisions.”
Baral received the scholarship at the CAST Awards Ceremony and presented her research at the CAST Annual Meeting and Student Innovation Conference in St. Louis, Missouri in October 2026.
In 2024, the scholarship recognized one outstanding student per discipline category.
