The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Applications are open for the World Food Forum (WFF) Young Scientists Group 2027 to 2029, an international opportunity for emerging researchers who want to contribute scientific evidence and technical knowledge to youth led efforts to transform global agrifood systems.
The Young Scientists Group was launched in 2022 as part of the World Food Forum Youth Initiative. It brings together young researchers from different disciplines and regions to help ensure that youth programmes, policy discussions and proposed actions are informed by credible scientific research. Members contribute to the work of the Youth Assembly, Youth Innovation Lab and Youth Education Programme.
The group operates in two year cohorts and investigates technical issues that matter to young people in the context of food systems transformation. Its work also contributes to a biennial report addressing priority issues affecting young people and the future of agrifood systems.
The World Food Forum is a youth focused initiative associated with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Its Youth Initiative seeks to involve young people in shaping more sustainable, inclusive and resilient agrifood systems.
The Young Scientists Group provides the scientific foundation for this work. Members help identify emerging issues, examine technical questions and contribute evidence that can support youth priorities and action oriented proposals. The group also offers scientific perspectives on relevant documents and statements developed through youth engagement activities.
Its approach aligns with the FAO Four Betters: better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life. These broad goals guide efforts to improve food production, nutrition outcomes, environmental sustainability and livelihoods.
The group draws on scientific expertise, academic networks and relevant partnerships. Its work sits at the intersection of research, youth participation and policy, allowing emerging researchers to contribute to discussions about how agrifood systems can better serve people and the planet.
• Opportunity to contribute scientific evidence to an international youth initiative.
• Experience connecting research with policy discussions and practical proposals.
• Opportunity to support the World Food Forum Youth Assembly, Youth Innovation Lab and Youth Education Programme.
• Contribution to research outputs and a biennial report on youth priorities in agrifood systems transformation.
• Engagement with researchers and relevant academic networks across disciplines and regions.
• Opportunity to share scientific perspectives on issues affecting food systems and young people.
• Experience working at the intersection of science, youth engagement and policy.
Note: The published call does not specify a stipend, salary or comprehensive financial support package. Applicants should not assume that participation is paid or fully funded.
The Young Scientists Group's work is guided by the FAO Four Betters and the programme priorities identified through the World Food Forum Youth Initiative.
• Better production: Scientific perspectives on improving food production and supporting more sustainable agrifood systems.
• Better nutrition: Evidence related to nutrition and the role of food systems in supporting healthier populations.
• Better environment: Research relevant to environmental sustainability and the effects of agrifood systems on the planet.
• Better life: Evidence that can help improve livelihoods and the wellbeing of communities.
• Youth focused agrifood research: Technical issues that matter to young people and their participation in transforming food systems.
• Science informed policy: Research contributions that support youth consultations, formal scientific opinions and action oriented proposals.
These areas describe the group's broad direction. Applicants should consult the official call and its terms of reference for the specific responsibilities and expectations of the 2027 to 2029 cohort.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
• Be between 18 and 35 years old as of December 31, 2028.
• Have graduated from a graduate degree programme or be enrolled in one by the time of application. Eligible graduate programmes include a master's degree or PhD.
• Demonstrate proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Be able to dedicate up to 20 hours per month to the group's activities.
• Not be an employee of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
• Not be an immediate family member of an FAO employee.
Applicants should ensure that they can meet the time commitment alongside their academic, research or professional responsibilities. The group requires members to contribute actively to its work, rather than participate only as observers.
The application information published by Opportunity Desk identifies an updated curriculum vitae as a required document.
Applicants should prepare a CV that highlights relevant academic, research, professional and voluntary experience.
• An updated curriculum vitae.
• Major research, innovation or professional initiatives undertaken.
• Contributions made to relevant projects or activities.
• Scientific publications and other research products.
• Presentations delivered at conferences and seminars.
• Relevant soft skills.
• Additional volunteer and professional experience.
• Previous international experience, where applicable.
Applicants should present their experience clearly and accurately. Research outputs, publications, presentations and relevant contributions should be listed in a way that helps reviewers understand the applicant's expertise and potential contribution to the group.
The published eligibility requirements establish the minimum conditions for applying. Candidates should also ensure that their CV provides a clear picture of their research experience, scientific contributions and ability to work with others.
Relevant publications, research products, presentations and innovation initiatives can help demonstrate experience. Applicants should explain their contributions truthfully and distinguish completed work from ongoing projects.
Because the group contributes scientific evidence to youth programmes and policy discussions, candidates should be ready to connect their expertise with broader questions affecting agrifood systems and young people. Applicants should also consider whether they can sustain the required monthly time commitment for the duration of the cohort.
The official call and terms of reference should be consulted for any additional selection procedures or expectations that may apply.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
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