Just 13 months ago, 12 Michigan State University affiliated Afghan scholars and their families were forced to flee their homes when the Taliban took over Afghanistan.

Today, they are celebrating their graduation from Albania’s Agricultural University of Tirana.

Now living around the U.S., despite significant challenges, these scholars were able to complete their studies and will receive a professional master's in advanced techniques in horticulture from AUT in a virtual graduation ceremony on Sept. 21, representing the culmination of their time with MSU’s Grain Research and Innovation project.

Launched in March 2017 and implemented by MSU’s Global Center for Food Systems Innovation, GRAIN was designed to support the Afghan government’s desire to strengthen the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock’s capacity to conduct wheat-related research. As the $15.17 million, USAID-funded project now comes to a close, GRAIN partners are reflecting on more than just research outcomes.

To read more go to isp.msu.edu.