The World Food Forum (WFF) Transformative Research Challenge 2025 is now accepting applications. The TRC is a global competition organized by the World Food Forum’s (WEF) Youth Innovation Lab, in partnership with the FAO and other leading organizations.

Since its start in 2021, it has empowered young researchers to develop impactful solutions addressing agrifood challenges. Through capacity-building, mentorship, and funding, the TRC helps participants translate their research concepts into actionable innovations that can change the world.

By joining the TRC, you will not only compete for research grants but also connect with global experts, gain worldwide recognition, and have the chance to present your work at FAO Headquarters in Rome. The challenge offers a platform for youth to drive transformation in food security, aquaculture, water management, forestry, and gender equality.

You may also check: Call for Expert Evaluators and Facilitators – 2025 WFF Transformative Research Challenge.

Quick Details:

• Organized by: World Food Forum (WFF)
  
• Application Deadline: 9 May 2025 at 24:00 (PDT)
• Semi-finalists and finalists Results: October 2025
• TRC Finals at WFF Flagship Event: October 2025
• Funding Type: Research grants, in-kind support, mentorship
• Organizers: World Food Forum (WFF) Youth Innovation Lab; FAO and partner institutions
• Eligible Countries: All countries
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Young researchers, innovators
• Focus Areas: Agrifood systems, sustainability, gender mainstreaming, aquaculture, forestry, water management
• Number of Opportunities: Multiple winners across five prize categories
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Italy (Rome, FAO Headquarters)

Competition Phases

The 2025 TRC comprises of four phases as follows:

Phase 1: Open Call for Applications (submit a two-page concept note)

Phase 2: Evaluation by expert panel (semi-finalists selected)

Phase 3: Capacity Building (masterclasses + mentorship)

Phase 4: Presentation of Finalists at WFF flagship event (October 2025)

Benefits for the Young Researchers

The 2025 TRC benefits for the young researchers are as follows:

• Research funding up to USD 10,000 for winning teams.
• Additional USD 10,000 for the overall winning team.
• Global visibility through the WFF website, social media, and UN Web TV.
• Invitation to pitch at FAO headquarters in Rome.
• Networking with experts, leaders, and investors.
• Capacity-building masterclasses and mentorship for semi-finalists.
• Post-award support through the WFF Youth Food Lab incubator program.

2025 TRC Prizes

The 2025 TRC prizes are as follows:

Gender Mainstreaming in PPR Eradication Prize

(Co-hosted by FAO PPR-GEP Secretariat), Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) devastates small ruminant farmers, causing $2.1 billion in annual losses across nearly 70 countries. Women, who form 60% of low-income livestock keepers, face barriers to veterinary care and resources, hindering PPR control. This prize empowers young researchers to design gender-responsive solutions for PPR eradication.
Award: $8,000 grant + global exposure through FAO and WFF platforms.

Integrated Water Management for Food Security Prize

(Co-hosted by FAO Land and Water Division and FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Division)
With agriculture consuming over 70% of freshwater, rising water scarcity threatens food security worldwide. This prize supports youth-driven innovations in water management that strengthen food systems, environmental health, and community resilience.
Award: $10,000 grant + mentorship + visibility at global events.

Sustainable Aquaculture Prize

(Co-hosted by Shanghai Ocean University and FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Division)
Aquaculture, now more than half of aquatic food production, faces sustainability challenges from climate change and ecosystem degradation. This prize supports young innovators proposing scalable, eco-friendly aquaculture solutions.
Award: $10,000 grant + mentorship + training + networking via WFF and GSAAP.

Forestry Innovation Prize

The FAO Forestry Division co-hosts this prize. Forests support billions of lives but face mounting threats like deforestation and climate change. This prize recognizes youth-led innovations for sustainable forest management that are aligned with FAO’s global strategies.
Award: $10,000 grant + partnerships + global recognition.

Nansen Programme Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF) Prize

(Co-hosted by FAO EAF-Nansen Programme and FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Division)
Marine ecosystems face intense pressures from overfishing, pollution, and climate change. To celebrate 50 years of the EAF-Nansen Programme, this prize rewards solutions advancing ecosystem-based fisheries management.
Award: 3-month funded research residency at FAO headquarters in Rome.

Eligibility Criteria

For applying for the 2025 TRC:

• Open to young researchers globally.
• Innovative, transformative research ideas related to agrifood systems.
• Commitment to participate in all competition phases.
• No specific academic degree required.
• Teams and individuals can apply.

How to apply for the WFF Transformative Research Challenge?

Fill out the online application form and submit your concept note.

Apply Now

Please visit WFF’s website for further details about the WFF Transformative Research Challenge.

Similar Opportunities:

• WFF Startup Innovation Awards 2025 (USD 80,000 Prize)
• Call for Expert Evaluators and Facilitators – 2025 WFF Transformative Research Challenge
• WFF Young Scientists Group (YSG) 2025-2027 Cohort