Innovation
Lab
#worldfoodforum
Transformative Research Challenge
01 - TRC explained
01 - TRC explained
The WFF Transformative Research Challenge (TRC) aims to inspire research and innovation in sustainable development to end hunger and transform our agrifood systems. Teams of young and young-at-heart researchers are invited to submit a two-page concept note proposing an innovative research idea to help end hunger and transform our agrifood systems. Shortlisted participants receive expert mentorship to help translate their concepts into sound research papers and present them at the WFF global stage each October.
Output examples include:
- a research article for publication;
- a research project proposal for grant funding;
- a paper or presentation at a scientific conference;
- a plan for further development, partnership or scaling to transform a research innovation into a tangible solution.
During the pitches, a panel of expert judges will select the top teams.
02 - Host a Special Prize with the 2023 WFF Transformative Research Challenge
Is your organization looking for innovative, research-based solutions on topics related to the global agrifood system transformation? Let’s work together! Join the Transformative Research Challenge (TRC) organizers and host a special prize supporting young researchers - we look forward to hearing from you!
02 - Five reasons to join the WFF Transformative Research Challenge
Shortlisted innovators will be invited to present a lightning talk at the WFF flagship event taking place in October 2023, as well as benefit from the following:
- Mentoring: Twenty shortlisted teams will receive personalized mentorship from globally recognized experts in their field to help “translate” their concept note into a concrete research output (e.g. a research proposal for grant funding or research article for publication).
- Coaching: Each team will be coached in the preparation of the lightning talk for the final presentations.
- Networking: Participants will have access to a global audience of young leaders and organizations from the public and private sectors, including the United Nations.
- Visibility: The WFF will provide a platform for global youth to showcase innovative research ideas and approaches to a global audience. Shortlisted teams will be profiled on the WFF website, and have the chance to pitch their research project to a global audience and international expert panel on the WFF flagship event stage.
- Ongoing promotion: Shortlisted teams and the winner of the TRC may be included in additional learning and exposure activities associated with the WFF, such as a social media campaigns, case studies, and future events to foster ongoing visibility and encourage future development.
03 - Transformative Research in Action
05 - Ideas from the 2021 TRC finalists
innovation lab
TRC finalist 2021 - prod 1
Innovative Solution: "The pursuit of sustainable pork production: a metabolic approach"
Team member: Morgan Zumbaugh
Mentor: Mateus Mondin
innovation lab
TRC finalist 2021 - prod 2
Innovative Solution: "Prebio-tech: scaling alternative protein with prebiotics"
Team Members: Chian-Wen Chan, Daniel Mahadzir, Mohd Fadzelly Abu Bakar, Nur Hafizah Malik, Aqilah Awg Abdul Rahman
Mentor: Antoine Affokpon
innovation lab
TRC finalist 2021 - nutr 1
Innovative Solution: "Addressing the demand gap for sweet biofortified with low cyanide content cassava varieties for the fresh market segment in Nigeria"
Team Members: Adenike Ige, Ismail Rabbi, Chinedu Nwoko, Ruth Uwugiaren, Moshood Bakare
Mentor: Dimas Rahadian Aji Muhammad
innovation lab
TRC finalist 2021 - nutr 2
Innovative Solution: "Utilizing natural variation to create healthier and more nutritious food"
Team Member: Maria Itria Ibba
Mentor: Hazel Fromm-Tatosian
innovation lab
TRC finalist 2021 - env 1
Innovative Solution: "Development of spatially explicit decision support systems to identify unexploited lands for sustainable cropland expansion responding to future food demands with minimum environmental impacts"
Team members: Elliott Dossou-Yovo, Komlavi Akpoti
Mentor: George Akoko
innovation lab
TRC finalist 2021 - env 2
Innovative Solution: "Understanding irrigation behavioural change as a result of adopting water saving technologies - a Case Study from Jordan"
Team members: Nafn Amdar, Arif Anwar
Mentor: Atef Swelam
innovation lab
TRC finalist 2021 - life 1
Innovative Solution: "TRANSNUTCARE - nutrition care for transgender community"
Team members: Sara Marques da Costa, Telma Nogueira, Mariana Liñan Pinto, Vitória Dias da Silva
Mentor: Kaat Verplanken
innovation lab
TRC finalist 2021 - life 2
Innovative Solution: "Eradicate Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) and improve the livelihood of smallholder farmers in developing countries. Evidence from Senegal"
Team member: Pacem Kotchofa
Mentor: Andrew Mang’ula
04 - 2023 TRC timeline
News

Need more information?
Let’s create a better food future, together.
Be part of the solution.














