Researchers from developing countries including Uganda, Indonesia and the Philippines are visiting the University of the Sunshine Coast to view its agricultural research strengths first-hand.

They arrived on the Sunshine Coast last week.

For the second time in the long history of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research’s (ACIAR) John Dillon Fellowships, USC is coordinating the exchange program, in which five groups will travel over two years.

USC Global Project Development Manager Tami Harriott said this group of 14 could look forwards to six weeks of exposure to some of Australia’s best science across multiple industries and sectors as well as professional growth and development.

“This is the first time USC has had the contract to organise the fellowships and we have scheduled plenty of time to learn more about our own leading agricultural research,” she said.

The group will speak with USC's agricultural researchers Steven Underhill, Paul Southgate and aquaculture researcher Abigail Elizur.

“They will also have short courses in public policy, leadership, communication and project management,” said Ms Harriott.

The group has already visited Canberra and will also be heading to Sydney, Cairns, Brisbane to view agricultural research projects.

Among the group of Fellows is USC nutrition and dietetics lecturer Dr Libby Swanepoel.