The World Food Forum Transformative Research Challenge (TRC) 2025 is a prestigious global competition aimed at empowering young researchers to cultivate innovative and impactful solutions to transform #agrifood systems.
This esteemed initiative, launched by the World Food Forum (WFF) Youth Innovation Lab, is in collaboration with pivotal organizations in agrifood research and United Nations agencies, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
Opportunities Await:
Young researchers are encouraged to submit a two-page Concept Note in one of five outlined research categories for a chance to win up to $20,000 in research funding and to present their groundbreaking ideas at the WFF flagship event at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.
2025 Prizes Include:
Gender Mainstreaming in the Eradication of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) Prize (Co-hosted by FAO PPR-GEP Secretariat)
Integrated Water Management for Food Security Prize (Co-hosted by the FAO Land and Water Division (NSL) and the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI))
Sustainable Aquaculture Prize (Co-hosted by Shanghai Ocean University and the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI))
Forestry Innovation Prize (Co-hosted by the FAO Forestry Division (NFO))
Nansen Programme Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF) Prize (Co-hosted by the FAO EAF-Nansen Programme and the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI))
Important Dates:
📌 Applications Deadline: 9 May 2025 at 24:00 (PDT)
About the Transformative Research Challenge:
The WFF Transformative Research Challenge (TRC) aims to inspire young researchers to develop actionable and impactful research proposals addressing global agrifood system challenges.
Since its inception in 2021, the TRC has partnered with 18 significant organizations, including Wageningen University and Research (WUR), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), EIT Food, and CGIAR.
To date, the TRC has garnered over 2,000 applications globally, allocating more than USD 500,000 in grants and in-kind support to 71 youth-led innovative research projects.
Competition Phases Overview:
- Phase 1: Open Call for Applications
Young researchers submit a two-page concept note for one of the five prize categories. - Phase 2: Evaluation
Expert evaluators assess applications to select the most innovative ideas as semi-finalists.
- Phase 3: Capacity Building
Semi-finalists engage in a month-long capacity development program featuring mentorship and masterclasses, refining their research proposals.
- Phase 4: Presentation of Finalists
Finalists pitch their projects at the TRC finals during the WFF flagship event in October 2025 at FAO headquarters.
What Young Researchers Gain:
Research Funding
Winning teams stand a chance to receive up to USD 10,000 to execute their research projects. Additionally, one team will be crowned the overall winner of the 2025 Transformative Research Challenge, receiving an extra USD 10,000 in funding.
Global Visibility
Finalist teams will gain recognition for their innovations through WFF’s website and social media platforms, amplifying their exposure to a worldwide audience.
Networking Opportunities
Teams will network with global leaders, agrifood experts, and representatives from both public and private sectors, including the United Nations.
Capacity Development
Semi-finalists will receive expert guidance aimed at fortifying their research proposal skills.
Invitation to FAO Headquarters
Finalists are offered the prestigious opportunity to present their findings at FAO headquarters in Rome in front of a distinguished jury and a global audience via live streaming.
Post Awards Support
Finalists may apply for the WFF Youth Food Lab incubator program, with ongoing support available for winning teams to develop and implement their research proposals further.
Submit your application before the deadline of 9 May 2025 at 24:00 (PDT). For more information, please read the Terms and Conditions.
Disclaimer: YüthAxis is not in any way affiliated with the hiring organization. Please direct your applications and any enquiries to the hiring company. Read our Terms of Use for more.
