Applications are now open for the World Food Forum Young Scientists Group 2027–2029, an international scientific advisory and research opportunity connected to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Selected young researchers will contribute to scientific discussions on food security, sustainable agriculture, and global agrifood systems. The two-year programme welcomes Master’s and PhD students and graduate degree holders aged 18–35 as of 31 December 2028. Applicants must be nationals of FAO Member States, demonstrate English proficiency, and be available for approximately 20 hours of participation per month.
Members will contribute to scientific consultations, evidence-based research, and a biennial report addressing agrifood systems challenges. Applications require an updated CV, and the selection process includes expert assessment and interviews. The application deadline is 29 January 2027 at 23:59 CET (Rome time). Applications must be submitted through the official World Food Forum portal.
World Food Forum Young Scientists Group 2027–2029: Quick Overview
| Programme details | Information |
|---|---|
| Official programme | World Food Forum Young Scientists Group (YSG) |
| Organizing platform | World Food Forum, established by FAO |
| Cohort | 2027–2029 |
| Opportunity type | International scientific advisory and research group |
| Eligible applicants | Graduate students and graduate degree holders |
| Age requirement | 18–35 as of 31 December 2028 |
| Nationality | Nationals of FAO Member States |
| Duration | Two years |
| Time commitment | Approximately 20 hours per month |
| Working language | English proficiency required |
| Selection | Application review, shortlisting, and interviews |
| Main research output | Biennial evidence-based report |
| Application deadline | 29 January 2027 23:59 CET (Rome time) |
What Is the World Food Forum Young Scientists Group?
The World Food Forum Young Scientists Group was launched in 2022 to connect emerging researchers with scientific discussions and activities under the WFF Youth Initiative.
Its purpose is to bring research findings, technical expertise, and emerging scientific perspectives into discussions about transforming agrifood systems.
Members may work with other young scientists, FAO technical experts, and relevant research networks. Their contributions can help inform consultations involving the WFF Youth Assembly and Youth Policy Board.
One of the group’s central responsibilities is preparing a biennial evidence-based scientific report on a topic relevant to young people and agrifood systems transformation.
This is an opportunity for researchers interested in applying scientific knowledge to policy discussions and international development challenges.
Each cohort serves for two years. Members may reapply for the following cohort, but an individual’s total membership cannot exceed two cohorts, equivalent to four years. Reappointment is not automatic and remains subject to the competitive selection process.
What Will Selected Young Scientists Do?
Members follow a quarterly work plan over their two-year appointment.
During the first year, activities primarily focus on identifying research priorities, participating in consultations, gathering scientific evidence, and contributing to relevant World Food Forum discussions.
The second year focuses more heavily on preparing the group’s scientific report, including research, drafting, peer review, finalization, and dissemination.
According to the official Terms of Reference, responsibilities include:
- Providing scientific and technical input to World Food Forum activities and relevant FAO or partner initiatives.
- Participating in technical discussions with the WFF Youth Assembly and Youth Policy Board.
- Identifying emerging research findings, evidence gaps, and scientific priorities.
- Conducting literature reviews, research synthesis, and other relevant research activities.
- Contributing to the group’s biennial scientific report.
- Supporting knowledge-sharing activities related to the group’s research findings.
Members may also participate in meetings, events, interviews, podcasts, and outreach activities, subject to appropriate authorization.
The role is scientific and advisory. Membership does not make participants FAO employees or authorize them to represent FAO officially.
Researchers who want to improve their scientific writing and evidence-synthesis skills can also explore our guide on how to write a PhD research proposal, which explains research questions, literature reviews, methodology, and expected contributions.
Eligibility Criteria for the 2027–2029 Cohort
The World Food Forum has established specific requirements for applicants.
To qualify, candidates must:
- Have graduated from, or currently be enrolled in, a graduate degree programme when applying.
- Be between 18 and 35 years old as of 31 December 2028.
- Be a national of an FAO Member State.
- Have specialization in a field relevant to FAO’s mission and activities.
- Demonstrate proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Be able to dedicate approximately 20 hours per month to the group.
- Demonstrate strong intercultural communication skills and the ability to work in an international environment.
- Not be employed by FAO.
- Not be an immediate family member of an FAO employee, as defined in the official eligibility rules.
The programme encourages participation from diverse backgrounds, including women, Indigenous Peoples, and groups whose perspectives are often underrepresented in research and academia.
Can Master’s Students and PhD Researchers Apply?
Yes. Applicants who are currently enrolled in a graduate degree programme are eligible, provided they meet the other requirements.
This means you do not necessarily need to have completed a PhD to apply. Master’s students, doctoral researchers, and graduates with relevant scientific expertise may qualify.
Is Previous Academic Work in English Mandatory?
No. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in spoken and written English, but previous academic work conducted in English is preferred rather than mandatory.
Similarly, alignment with the WFF Youth Assembly’s thematic areas is preferred, but not compulsory.
Research Fields and Areas of Interest
The official requirements do not limit applications to a fixed list of academic disciplines. Instead, candidates must have expertise relevant to FAO’s mission and work.
Depending on the applicant’s research focus, potentially relevant fields include agricultural sciences, food systems, nutrition, environmental sciences, climate change, biotechnology, agricultural economics, rural development, and sustainability research.
These are illustrative examples, not a formal list of eligible disciplines.
Applicants from interdisciplinary backgrounds should explain how their expertise contributes to agrifood systems challenges.
For example, a researcher studying resource recovery, sustainable bioprocessing, or environmental impact assessment could explain how that work relates to resource efficiency and sustainability in food production.
Required Documents for the World Food Forum Young Scientists Group Application
Applicants must upload an updated CV when completing the online application form.
According to the official instructions, your CV should highlight relevant academic, research, innovation, and professional experience. Include the following information where applicable:
- Major research projects, innovation initiatives, or professional contributions.
- Scientific publications and other research outputs.
- Presentations delivered at academic conferences and seminars.
- Relevant technical and interpersonal skills.
- Volunteer activities and additional professional experience.
- Previous international experience, if applicable.
The CV should demonstrate how your experience relates to the work of the Young Scientists Group. Applicants with limited publication records can still highlight relevant research projects, technical contributions, and other academic work.
A recommendation letter and two-minute contribution video are requested from candidates advancing to the second selection round. They are not listed as mandatory documents for the initial application.
Important: The organizers state that incomplete applications will not be considered.
Selection Process: How Are Candidates Chosen?
The World Food Forum uses a three-round competitive selection process.
| Selection round | What happens |
|---|---|
| Round 1: Initial screening | The WFF Youth Initiative team reviews applications and scores candidates based on eligibility and experience. |
| Round 2: Expert assessment | FAO experts assess applications and prepare a shortlist. Advancing candidates must provide a recommendation letter and a two-minute video. |
| Round 3: Interviews | Top candidates are interviewed, with final decisions based on interview performance and overall ranking. |
The selection process also considers the overall balance of scientific and technical expertise, geographical representation, gender diversity, and disciplinary perspectives.
Applicants comparing international research selection processes may also be interested in the University of Turku TIAS Fellowships 2027 in Finland. These provide eight salaried positions for eligible postdoctoral and experienced researchers, with applications closing on 13 November 2026.
What Should Applicants Prepare for the Second Round?
Shortlisted candidates advancing to the second stage will be asked to submit:
- A letter of recommendation.
- A two-minute video explaining how they would contribute to the Young Scientists Group.
These materials are specifically identified for the second round. The Terms of Reference do not establish them as mandatory initial application documents.
Applicants should also be prepared to discuss their research experience, relevant technical skills, and ability to collaborate across disciplines during the interview stage.
Careers Help Desk Counter Angle: Show How Your Research Can Support Food Systems Decisions
One important distinction in this programme is that selection is not based solely on academic qualifications.
The official selection process evaluates experience and scientific expertise, while the group’s responsibilities emphasize evidence synthesis, technical consultation, and the ability to contribute to a shared research output.
Your application should therefore explain what you can contribute, rather than simply describing what you have studied.
For example, a researcher working on climate-resilient agriculture could explain how their findings might inform food production decisions. Someone studying biotechnology or environmental engineering could describe how their work relates to sustainable resource use or agrifood processing.
A strong application should make the connection between your research background and the group’s responsibilities clear.
There is another practical consideration: the report topic is identified towards the end of the group’s first year, following consultations and consideration of emerging priorities. Applicants should not assume that they will be working exclusively on their existing research topic.
The ability to assess evidence outside a narrow specialization and collaborate with researchers from other disciplines is therefore particularly relevant.
If you find it difficult to explain how your academic background connects to the group’s work, our guide on writing a statement of purpose for Master’s and PhD applications offers practical examples of presenting research experience, academic motivation, and programme fit.
Researchers who prefer a salaried postdoctoral appointment can also review the TIES2 Fellowship Finland 2027, which offers seven three-year research positions at the University of Turku, with a gross monthly salary of €4,592. The application deadline is 13 November 2026.
Can Applicants Use AI to Prepare Their Applications?
The World Food Forum has established a specific policy on generative AI use during the application process.
Applicants may use AI tools for language and grammar support. However, responses must reflect their own research experience, ideas, and personal voice.
Applications containing substantially AI-generated answers will not be considered.
This matters particularly when explaining your scientific contributions, research interests, or motivation for joining the group. You should develop these answers yourself and use language-support tools only within the permitted limits.
The programme’s Terms of Reference also require members to uphold scientific integrity and disclose substantive AI use that materially contributes to their work.
How to Apply for the World Food Forum Young Scientists Group 2027–2029
Applications must be submitted online through the official World Food Forum Young Scientists Group application form.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Read the Terms of Reference. Review the eligibility requirements, responsibilities, and two-year commitment before applying.
Review the YSG Terms of Reference (TOR) Here
Step 2: Prepare your updated CV. Highlight relevant research projects, scientific contributions, publications, presentations, skills, and professional or volunteer experience.
Step 3: Visit the official application portal. Open the World Food Forum Young Scientists Group application form and Complete the application questions. Provide accurate information about your qualifications, experience, and potential scientific contributions.
World Food Forum Young Scientists Group application form
Step 4: Upload your CV. Ensure the file meets any instructions specified in the application form.
Step 5: Review and submit your application. Check that every required question has been answered and all required documents have been uploaded.
The organizers expect to announce the final selection by April 2027.
For application-related questions, contact partnerships@world-food-forum.org.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should pay particular attention to the programme’s eligibility rules and selection structure.
One possible mistake is calculating age based on the application year rather than the official reference date. The age requirement is explicitly tied to 31 December 2028.
Another is assuming that applicants must already hold a PhD. The programme accepts applicants who have graduated from or are enrolled in a graduate degree programme.
Candidates should also avoid treating the Young Scientists Group as a conventional FAO job. It is an advisory research group with a defined time commitment, and the official documents do not establish employment or financial compensation.
Finally, applicants should not overlook the second-round requirements. Preparing to explain their scientific contribution in a short video may be useful, even though the video is not required during initial screening.
Benefits of Joining the World Food Forum Young Scientists Group
The main documented benefits are professional and research-related.
Participation offers opportunities to develop experience in interdisciplinary research, scientific writing, evidence synthesis, and engagement between science and policy.
Members can also contribute to consultations involving international experts and research networks and participate in the development of a peer-reviewed scientific report.
Is the Young Scientists Group Paid?
The published Terms of Reference do not specify a salary, stipend, honorarium, travel allowance, or other financial compensation.
Applicants should therefore not treat this opportunity as a paid FAO position or a fully funded fellowship without separate written confirmation.
Its documented purpose is scientific collaboration and advisory participation rather than employment.
If you have already completed your PhD and are looking for independent research funding, the Branco Weiss Fellowship 2027 offers up to CHF 600,000 over five years for eligible postdoctoral researchers. Applications close on 15 January 2027.
Ready to Apply for World Food Forum Young Scientists Group
The World Food Forum Young Scientists Group 2027–2029 is designed for emerging researchers who want to contribute scientific evidence to discussions about global food systems. For Master’s students, PhD researchers, and graduate degree holders interested in interdisciplinary research and science-policy engagement, the programme offers a defined opportunity to participate in international scientific collaboration. Before applying, confirm your eligibility, particularly the age requirement, graduate-level education, and monthly time commitment.
Official application call and source: World Food Forum Young Scientists Group 2027–2029
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the World Food Forum Young Scientists Group open to international applicants?
Yes. Applicants from FAO Member States can apply, provided they meet the programme’s other eligibility requirements. Selection also aims to achieve regional balance.
2. What is the age limit for the 2027–2029 cohort?
Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old as of 31 December 2028.
3. Do I need a PhD to apply?
No. Applicants who have graduated from or are currently enrolled in a graduate degree programme may apply. A completed PhD is not mandatory.
4. Is IELTS or TOEFL required for the World Food Forum Young Scientists Group?
The official Terms of Reference require proficiency in spoken and written English but do not specify a compulsory IELTS or TOEFL score. Previous academic work conducted in English is preferred, not mandatory. Applicants should follow any additional evidence requirements stated in the application form.
5. Is the FAO Young Scientists Group a paid fellowship?
The official Terms of Reference do not specify a salary, stipend, or fellowship allowance. It should not be described as a funded fellowship without confirmation from the organizers.
6. How much time must selected members commit?
Members must be able to dedicate approximately 20 hours per month over the two-year term.
7. What is the deadline for the World Food Forum Young Scientists Group 2027–2029?
The application deadline is 29 January 2027 at 23:59 CET (Rome time). Applicants must complete the online form and upload their required CV before the deadline.
8. When will the Young Scientists Group 2027–2029 selection results be announced?
The World Food Forum expects to announce the final selection by April 2027. Shortlisted applicants will first undergo further assessment, including a recommendation letter, a two-minute video, and interviews.
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