The World Food Forum Young Scientists Group (YSG) application is open through the official WFF form page. The YSG is a youth advisory body of the World Food Forum (WFF). It focuses on young scientists and global food systems.
Application Deadline:
- 29 January 2027 at 23:59 CET (Rome time)
Tell Me About The Program:
The World Food Forum (WFF) Young Scientists Group (YSG) is a flagship global initiative organized under the auspices of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The program brings together an international cohort of talented early-career researchers, scientists, and innovators to leverage science, technology, and innovation in transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. Over a two-year engagement (2027–2029), members collaborate on global science-policy interfaces, youth action initiatives, and cutting-edge research communication.
Which Fields are Eligible:
- Agricultural Sciences, Agronomy, and Crop Science
- Food Science, Nutrition, and Food Security
- Environmental Science, Ecology, and Climate Change
- Economics, Agribusiness, and Rural Development
- Natural Resources Management and Sustainable Development
- Related graduate scientific disciplines supporting agrifood transformation.
Type:
Global Scientific Fellowship & Advisory Group
Who can Apply:
- Age Limit: Must be between 18 and 35 years of age as of 31 December 2028.
- Academic Qualifications: Must have graduated from or be currently enrolled in a graduate degree program (Master’s or Ph.D.) at the time of application.
- Language Proficiency: Must demonstrate strong spoken and written proficiency in English.
- Time Commitment: Must be able to dedicate up to 20 hours per month to YSG activities, meetings, and collaborative projects.
- Exclusions: FAO employees and immediate family members of FAO employees are strictly ineligible.
How are Applicants Selected:
Applications are evaluated competitively by the WFF review committee based on academic credentials, research and innovation output (publications, conference presentations, and projects), technical and soft skills, demonstrated leadership, and alignment with FAO’s global agrifood objectives. (Note: Organizers explicitly stipulate that generative AI use must be limited strictly to basic language/grammar support; submissions substantially generated by AI will be disqualified).
Which Countries Are Eligible:
Global (Open to young scientists and researchers worldwide).
Where will the Program be Taken:
Virtual / Global (Remote collaboration with opportunities for international stakeholder engagement and high-level meetings).
How Long Will it Last:
2 years (2027–2029 cohort cycle).
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Global Exposure: Direct engagement in high-level FAO and World Food Forum discussions, science-policy dialogues, and global youth action networks.
- Professional Network: Collaboration with world-leading scientists, agrifood experts, policymakers, and international peers.
- Research & Communication: Opportunities to showcase scientific publications, policy briefs, and innovation products on international platforms.
- Leadership Development: Enhanced capacity in science communication, advocacy, and collaborative global problem-solving.
How to Apply:
- Review the official YSG Terms of Reference (TOR) via the FAO World Food Forum portal.
- Prepare an Updated CV highlighting:
- Major work, research, or innovation initiatives and contributions
- List of scientific publications and products
- List of conference and seminar presentations
- Soft skills, volunteer work, and international experiences
- Access the official Microsoft Forms application link provided by the WFF.
- Review and agree to the FAO Data Privacy and Informed Consent notice.
- Complete all application questions authentically and upload your CV before the deadline on 29 January 2027 at 23:59 CET.
👉 Visit the official fellowship page for details
