Agricultural student receives bursary

A postgraduate agricultural student from Ludlow has been selected to receive a Centenary Award bursary from The NFU Mutual Charitable Trust. 

Karen Fisher was selected for the award to support her PhD entitled Hidden Talent: Neurodiversity in UK Agriculture – Wellbeing, Inclusion and Future Resilience, at Harper Adams University.

Karen’s study will explore the experiences of neurodivergent people working in UK agriculture, examining challenges such as stress, burnout and exclusion, as well as the strengths they bring to the sector. 

Karen is undertaking the PhD to make a positive contribution to the agricultural workforce in the UK, and the research will develop practical recommendations to improve wellbeing, inclusion, workforce retention and resilience. 

She said: “My interest in this area comes from both professional and personal experience within agriculture. Having worked in the sector for over 20 years across farming, advisory and environmental roles, I have repeatedly observed neurodivergent individuals struggling with stress, burnout, communication challenges and feelings of not fitting within traditional agricultural environments.

"At the same time, I have also seen exceptional creativity, problem-solving ability, innovation and resilience that often go unrecognised. 

“Alongside my agricultural work, I have undertaken training in neurodivergent coaching, counselling and mental health awareness in rural industries. This has strengthened my desire to contribute meaningful research that could improve wellbeing, reduce isolation and help create a more inclusive and resilient future for UK agriculture.

"I am very grateful for the opportunity to undertake this PhD with the support of this prestigious award.” 

The Centenary Award was launched by rural insurer NFU Mutual to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2010; to support agricultural leaders of the future, and champion research and innovation within the industry. It provides annual bursaries to pay up to 75% of course fees for selected postgraduate students in agriculture, and Karen was one of only three students from across the UK to have been chosen for the award in 2026.

To select the recipients, the award’s judging panel looked for applicants who are not only excellent academic performers, but also have a real passion for UK agriculture and demonstrate potential to become a future industry leader.  

NFU Mutual Chairman Jim McLaren MBE said: “The NFU Mutual Charitable Trust is committed to promoting and supporting agriculture and rural development across the UK. Agricultural education is one of our key objectives, helping to build the skills, knowledge and innovation needed to support the long-term resilience of UK farming. 

“Our Centenary Award bursary scheme brings this commitment to life by championing research and innovation and supporting talented individuals to develop their careers within the agricultural industry.

"We are delighted to be supporting Karen’s PhD with our Centenary Award bursary and wish her all the very best for her studies.” 

Further information about the bursary scheme can be found on NFU Mutual’s website nfumutual.co.uk, where you can search ‘Centenary Award’.  

Prospective post graduate agricultural students who would like to find out more about the award can also contact centenary_award@nfumutual.co.uk