Apply for the World Food Forum (WFF) Youth Innovation Lab Transformative Research Challenge (TRC) 2025
What is the Transformative Research Challenge (TRC)?
The Transformative Research Challenge (TRC) is a global competition designed to empower young researchers to develop innovative solutions that address critical issues in agrifood systems.
Launched in 2021, the TRC is a collaborative effort between the World Food Forum (WFF) Youth Innovation Lab and leading organizations in agrifood research, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), as well as United Nations agencies.
The challenge provides a platform for young innovators to propose actionable solutions and present their research at the WFF flagship event in Rome, Italy.
The TRC has partnered with prominent organizations such as Wageningen University and Research (WUR), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), EIT Food, and CGIAR to cover a wide range of agrifood system issues.
Since its inception, the TRC has received over 2,000 applications and awarded more than USD 500,000 in grants and in-kind support to 71 youth-led research projects.
Submit your application by 9 May 2025 at 24:00 (PDT).
Competition Phases for the Transformative Research Challenge (TRC)
- Phase 1: Open Call for Applications
Researchers submit a two-page concept note outlining their innovative research idea for one of the four prize categories. - Phase 2: Evaluation
Expert evaluators review applications and select the most innovative and cutting-edge research ideas as semi-finalists. - Phase 3: Capacity Building
Semi-finalists participate in a month-long capacity development program, which includes masterclasses and mentorship provided by TRC knowledge partners. During this phase, participants refine their ideas into detailed research proposals. - Phase 4: Presentation of Finalists
After a second round of evaluation, the finalist teams are invited to pitch their research projects at the TRC Finals during the WFF flagship event in October 2025 at the FAO headquarters in Rome.
What do Young Researchers Gain from the Transformative Research Challenge (TRC) ?
- Research Funding:
Winners receive up to USD 10,000 in research funding to implement their projects. Additionally, one team from each category will be selected as the overall 2025 Transformative Research Challenge Winner and will receive an additional USD 10,000 in research funding. - Global Visibility:
Finalist teams will have their work featured on the WFF website and across social media channels, giving them global recognition for their innovative contributions. - Networking Opportunities:
Finalists will connect with a global network of young leaders, agrifood experts, and representatives from both the public and private sectors, including the United Nations. - Capacity Development:
Semi-finalists will gain expert guidance and enhance their skills in research proposal development through tailored mentorship. - Invitation to FAO Headquarters:
Finalist teams will present their projects at the TRC Finals at FAO headquarters in Rome, in front of a high-level jury. The event will be live-streamed to a global audience via platforms such as UN Web TV. - Post-Awards Support:
Finalists can apply for the WFF Youth Food Lab Incubator Programme. Winning teams may also receive continued support to further develop and implement their research proposals.
Submit your application by 9 May 2025 at 24:00 (PDT).
2025 TRC Prizes
Gender Mainstreaming in the Eradication of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) Prize
(Co-hosted by the FAO PPR-GEP Secretariat)
Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects small ruminants, causing significant economic losses—estimated at USD 2.1 billion annually across nearly 70 countries in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Women, who make up 60% of low-income livestock keepers, face systemic barriers to accessing veterinary services, training, and resources critical for disease prevention and control. These gender inequities hinder the effective eradication of PPR.
This prize seeks to empower young researchers to propose gender-responsive solutions to combat PPR while addressing the unique challenges faced by women in small ruminant farming systems.
By promoting innovative approaches to gender equality in livestock management, this prize aims to improve livelihoods, enhance food security, and build resilience for communities impacted by PPR.
Prize Details:
- USD 8,000 research grant for the winning team.
- Opportunity to showcase their work through the FAO PPR Global Eradication Programme platform and on WFF’s website and social media channels.
Join us in driving transformative change through research that integrates gender mainstreaming with the eradication of PPR.
Submit your application by 9 May 2025 at 24:00 (PDT).
