The Forest and Restoration team is co-hosting the Youth-led Research for Forest Restoration Prize under the 2026 World Food Forum (WFF) Transformative Research Challenge. The prize aims to support youth-led applied research addressing real-world forest and landscape restoration challenges and to help turn research into practical, context-responsive solutions. The 2026 Challenge also includes the Forest Monitoring Innovation Prize.
The WFF Transformative Research Challenge is a global competition that supports teams of young researchers in advancing applied research toward real-world agrifood solutions. It is designed for projects that have already demonstrated an initial proof of concept and are looking to strengthen evidence, refine their solution and prepare for real-world piloting. Semi-finalist teams receive scientific mentorship, practical masterclasses and expert feedback, while finalists are invited to present their work during the WFF flagship event in October 2026 at FAO headquarters in Rome.
The focus of the Youth-led Research for Forest Restoration Prize is on innovative, scalable and evidence-based approaches that address barriers to forest and landscape restoration across ecological, social and territorial contexts. Areas of interest include restoration-based livelihoods and enterprises, financing for restoration, monitoring and adaptive management, climate-resilient ecological practices, and participatory and inclusive governance. Particular attention is also given to the contributions of young women and of youth facing intersecting barriers to participation and leadership.
- Winning teams receive up to USD 10 000 per prize category, while one overall winner across all four categories receives an additional USD 10 000.
- Semi-finalist teams receive scientific mentorship, practical masterclasses and expert feedback, while finalists are invited to present their work during the WFF flagship event in October 2026 at FAO headquarters in Rome.
- The initiative offers an opportunity to connect emerging researchers with the wider restoration community, including practitioners, policymakers and partners working to advance forest and landscape restoration worldwide.
- Young researchers interested in applying can learn more through the World Food Forum Transformative Research Challenge page.
The Challenge is open to youth-led teams aged 18 to 35 working on applied, research-led solutions with a tested proof of concept.