The World Food Forum YSG (Young Scientists Group) is a global initiative supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), bringing together emerging researchers, scientists, and innovators to address key challenges in food and agriculture. The program encourages young scientific talent to contribute innovative ideas and evidence-based solutions for building sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agrifood systems worldwide.
During the 2027–2029 engagement period, selected members will have opportunities to participate in international research collaboration, science-policy discussions, youth-led initiatives, and scientific communication. Through these activities, the World Food Forum YSG aims to strengthen youth participation in global food system transformation and empower early-career scientists to contribute to a more sustainable future.
World Food Forum YSG Benefits
- 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.
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World Food Forum YSG Eligibility Criteria
- 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 to Apply for World Food Forum YSG
- 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.
Don’t miss this deadline
Applications close on Friday, 29 January 2027. We’ll email you 7, 3 and 1 days before.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the World Food Forum YSG Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, selection, and how to apply for the 2027–2029 Young Scientists Group cohort.
What is the World Food Forum Young Scientists Group (YSG)?
The World Food Forum Young Scientists Group (YSG) is a flagship global initiative organized under the auspices of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). It brings together early-career researchers, scientists, and innovators to leverage science, technology, and innovation in transforming agrifood systems during a two-year engagement (2027–2029).
Who can apply to the YSG?
Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years of age as of 31 December 2028 and must have graduated from or be currently enrolled in a graduate degree program (Master’s or Ph.D.) at the time of application. FAO employees and immediate family members of FAO employees are ineligible.
What fields are eligible for application?
Eligible fields include 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; and related graduate scientific disciplines supporting agrifood transformation.
How long is the YSG engagement?
The YSG cohort cycle lasts two years, specifically the 2027–2029 period for the cohort referenced. Members are expected to commit to collaborative work, science-policy interfaces, and youth action initiatives over this two-year engagement.
Is there an application deadline?
Yes. The application deadline is 29 January 2027 at 23:59 CET (Rome time). Applicants must complete all application questions and upload their CV before this deadline.
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 that while generative AI may be used strictly for basic language and grammar support (such as proofreading), applications or submissions substantially generated or written by AI will be disqualified.
What is the time commitment if selected?
Selected members must be able to dedicate up to 20 hours per month to YSG activities, meetings, and collaborative projects, as specified in the programme requirements.
Where is the programme based and how will activities be conducted?
The programme is virtual and global, with remote collaboration as the primary mode and opportunities for international stakeholder engagement and high-level meetings. Members collaborate across borders while engaging with FAO and global partners.
What should I include in my application CV?
Your CV should highlight major work, research, or innovation initiatives and contributions; a list of scientific publications and products; a list of conference and seminar presentations; and details of soft skills, volunteer work, and international experiences relevant to agrifood systems.
Where can I apply and find more details?
You can visit the official fellowship page and apply via the Microsoft Forms application link provided by the World Food Forum: https://youth.world-food-forum.org/youth-advisory-bodies/young-scientists-group/form/en. Review the YSG Terms of Reference and the FAO Data Privacy and Informed Consent notice before applying.
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