AFTER pausing last year because of COVID–19, the Churchill Trust plans to select around 100 people involved in the primary industries and food production to undertake projects in 2023.

As Churchill Fellows, the recipients will receive an average of $28,000 each and Trust support to travel overseas and investigate a topic they are passionate about, exploring international best practice and innovations in a field of their choosing.

A series of virtual information sessions based around particular themes is now running to help inspire ideas and guide people through the application process.

"We are excited to once again being able to offer this life–changing experience for Australians," said Trust chief executive officer Adam Davey.

"We received a 10 per cent increase in applications during our last round in 2020 despite the emerging pandemic, and the Trust is hopeful of an equally strong response this year.

"People who apply will not travel until next year, and we will work with them to navigate travel requirements."

No specific qualifications are required to receive a Churchill Fellowship, and Fellowships are not used to undertake formal academic study.

Instead, recipients spend four to eight weeks visiting, observing and working alongside leaders in their sector.

The precise topic of focus is completely up to the applicant, who designs their own itinerary.

However, applicants are expected to have worked through the issue thoroughly in Australia, exhausting locally available knowledge.

Importantly, they must also demonstrate potential benefits to their sector or community, and be willing to share the findings on their return.

"Fellows may travel for as little as a month but the experience can change the rest of their lives," Mr Davey said.

"They return with valuable networks, greater confidence and the motivation to achieve what they never thought possible.

"As a result, the combined impact on Australian communities since the first Fellowships were awarded in 1965 has been extraordinary."

Mr Davey encouraged anyone with a project idea to register for a virtual information session, even if they weren't certain travel would be possible next year.

"Feedback from sessions held so far indicates that people are finding them incredibly valuable in helping them to shape their applications, whether or not the session aligns with their specific area of interest," he said.

Applications can be made online until April 28.

Registration for virtual sessions is essential.

To book and for more information visit churchilltrust.com.au.