Applications for the Transformative Research Challenge (TRC) 2025 are now open!
Important Application Deadline: Submit your application before 9 May 2025 at 24:00 (PDT).
The Transformative Research Challenge (TRC) is a prestigious global competition aimed at empowering young researchers to develop innovative and impactful solutions that will transform agrifood systems.
Since its launch in 2021, the TRC has partnered with leading organizations in agrifood research and United Nations agencies, including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), to address critical challenges through a dynamic global platform.
What is the Transformative Research Challenge?
The TRC supports emerging researchers to submit research proposals that lead to actionable and tangible solutions.
Finalists will have the opportunity to pitch their ideas at the WFF flagship event held at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.
To date, the TRC has collaborated with 18 prominent organizations such as Wageningen University and Research (WUR), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), EIT Food, and CGIAR, covering multiple critical topics in agrifood systems.
Over 2,000 applications from around the world have been received, resulting in the awarding of more than USD 500,000 in grants and in-kind support to 71 youth-led research projects.
Competition Phases
Phase 1: Open Call for Applications
Young researchers are invited to submit a two-page concept note outlining an innovative research idea for one of the four prize categories.
Phase 2: Evaluation
Expert evaluators review submissions to select semi-finalists based on innovation and potential impact.
Phase 3: Capacity Building
Semi-finalists participate in a month-long capacity development program, including masterclasses and mentorship from TRC knowledge partners, to refine their proposals into detailed research plans.
Phase 4: Presentation of Finalists
Selected finalist teams will be invited to pitch their research projects at the TRC Finals during the WFF flagship event in October 2025, in front of a high-level jury and a global audience via live stream.
What Do Young Researchers Gain?
Research Funding:
Winning teams will receive up to USD 10,000 to implement their projects. Additionally, one overall winner from each category will receive an extra USD 10,000.
Global Visibility:
Finalists will be showcased on the WFF website and social media channels, gaining international recognition.
Networking Opportunities:
Participants will connect with a global network of young leaders, agrifood experts, and UN representatives.
Capacity Development:
Semi-finalists will receive expert guidance to enhance their research proposal skills.
Invitation to FAO Headquarters:
Finalists will be invited to present their research at the FAO headquarters in Rome during the October 2025 event.
Post-Awards Support:
Opportunities to join the WFF Youth Food Lab incubator and receive ongoing support to develop and implement their projects.
2025 TRC Prize Categories
1. Gender Mainstreaming in the Eradication of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) Prize
Co-hosted by FAO PPR-GEP Secretariat
This prize seeks gender-responsive solutions to address the socio-economic impacts of PPR, a highly contagious viral disease affecting small ruminants, with a focus on empowering women in livestock management.
Prize: USD 8,000 research grant, plus visibility opportunities through FAO and WFF platforms.
2. Integrated Water Management for Food Security Prize
Co-hosted by FAO Land and Water Division & FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Division
Focused on innovative solutions to water scarcity impacting farming and fishing communities, aligning with SDGs 2, 6, and 14.
Prize: USD 10,000 in grants, mentorship, capacity-building, and networking opportunities.
3. Sustainable Aquaculture Prize
Co-hosted by Shanghai Ocean University & FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Division
Encourages scalable solutions for sustainable aquaculture that balance productivity with environmental and social considerations.
Prize: USD 10,000 grants, mentorship, and access to training and networking.
4. Forestry Innovation Prize
Co-hosted by FAO Forestry Division
Supports innovative, scalable approaches to sustainable forest management amidst challenges like deforestation and climate change.
Prize: USD 10,000 in grants, visibility, and collaboration opportunities.
5. Nansen Programme Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF) Prize
Co-hosted by FAO EAF-Nansen Programme & FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Division
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the EAF-Nansen Programme, this prize encourages solutions that promote sustainable marine ecosystems and community resilience.
Prize: Support and mentorship at FAO headquarters in Rome for 3 months.
Apply Now!
Submit your application before 9 May 2025 at 24:00 (PDT). For more information, please read the Terms and Conditions.
Join us in shaping the future of agrifood systems through innovative research and transformative solutions.
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.
