Call for
Transformative Research Challenge
About Organisation
The World Food Forum (WFF) is a global platform launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. It empowers youth and young researchers to lead positive change in the transformation of agrifood systems. With a focus on innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability, the WFF aims to engage the next generation of leaders in addressing global food security, environmental challenges, and sustainable development goals. By hosting annual events, capacity-building workshops, and challenge competitions, WFF creates opportunities for young individuals to collaborate with experts, institutions, and global networks. The platform enables the development and promotion of breakthrough solutions in agriculture, aquaculture, water management, and food systems. With strong support from public, private, and academic sectors, the WFF is dedicated to nurturing talent and scaling ideas that contribute to global agrifood resilience. The WFF Youth Initiative specifically focuses on amplifying youth voices and providing them with the tools, visibility, and mentorship needed to bring their ideas to life. Through events like the Transformative Research Challenge (TRC), WFF inspires a culture of innovation and recognizes excellence in research that drives food system transformation.
About the Grant
The Transformative Research Challenge (TRC) by the World Food Forum is designed to empower young researchers in transforming agrifood systems through innovative and impactful solutions. The TRC offers an international platform for youth to present research concepts addressing key issues in agriculture and food security. For 2025, the challenge invites submissions under three categories: Gender Mainstreaming in the Eradication of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), Sustainable Aquaculture, and Integrated Water Management for Food Security.
Shortlisted teams will receive expert mentorship, access to global networking opportunities, and visibility through WFF platforms. Finalists will undergo presentation training and be invited to present at the WFF flagship event at FAO headquarters in Rome in October 2025, with travel and accommodation sponsored. Winning teams will receive awards, certificates, and publication opportunities, along with the chance to join the WFF Youth Food Lab incubator programme.
Each prize category offers a competitive research grant: USD 8,000 for the Gender Mainstreaming in PPR Prize, and USD 10,000 each for the Sustainable Aquaculture and Integrated Water Management Prizes. The TRC aims to bridge the gap between youth-led research and global impact by fostering creativity, sustainability, and inclusivity in food systems transformation.
Who can Apply?
The Transformative Research Challenge is open to teams of 3 to 5 individuals, each between the ages of 18 and 35 at the time of submission. Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in fields relevant to agrifood systems, including agriculture, food science, sustainable development, environmental science, or related disciplines.
Each team must consist of original content creators, ensuring that all submitted research concepts are the sole work of the team members. A supervisor from an academic or research institution may be included for guidance, but will not be considered part of the official team.
All entries must be submitted with complete personal information, including full names, ages, email addresses, number of team members, and educational background. Incomplete or inaccurate applications will result in disqualification.
Team composition is fixed post-submission; no members may be added or removed once the call for entries closes. Individuals affiliated with FAO, WFF mentors or reviewers, or close relatives of staff involved in the competition are ineligible. The competition is designed to promote youth-led, innovative, and independent research efforts, with fairness and originality at its core. Entrants must agree to all terms and conditions before submitting their Concept Note.
How to Apply?
Interested teams must prepare and submit a Concept Note aligned with one of the three prize categories. All entries must be original and submitted by teams of 3–5 eligible members with a relevant academic background. Complete personal information for each member is required. Submissions should be made through the official World Food Forum application portal before the stated deadline. Participation is entirely free of charge.
Application Deadline
All Concept Notes must be submitted no later than 9 May 2025. Applications received after this date or with missing information will not be considered for shortlisting.
Last Date To Apply
The final deadline to apply for the Transformative Research Challenge organized by the World Food Forum is 9 May 2025. Teams must submit all required details before this date.
Grant Amount
The research grant includes USD 8,000 for the Gender Mainstreaming in PPR Prize and USD 10,000 each for the Sustainable Aquaculture and Integrated Water Management for Food Security Prizes.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
