Deadline: June 1, 2026
The Norman Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application 2026 is a prestigious international award recognising outstanding, science-based achievements in agriculture and food systems. Presented by the World Food Prize Foundation and endowed by The Rockefeller Foundation, the award honours young professionals who are applying research directly in the field to reduce hunger, poverty, and food insecurity worldwide.
The Norman Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application 2026 celebrates individuals whose work reflects the values of innovation, resilience, leadership, and measurable impact—qualities exemplified by Dr Norman E. Borlaug, the father of the Green Revolution.
About the Award
The award is designed to recognise individuals who are working directly with farmers, herders, fishers, rural communities, or along agricultural value chains. It places strong emphasis on real-world application of science, particularly work that translates research into practical solutions that improve food production, nutrition, and livelihoods.
This honour is awarded annually during World Food Prize Week, held around World Food Day (16 October) in Des Moines, Iowa, USA.
Award Value and Recognition
- Prize Amount: Up to US $10,000
- Recognition: International visibility and formal recognition during World Food Prize Week
- Focus: Field-based research and application with demonstrated impact on food systems
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be under 40 years old (the 40th birthday must not fall before 16 October of the award year)
- Be actively working in the field or on the specific project for which they are nominated
- Demonstrate a clear record of science-driven agricultural impact
- Continue to meet eligibility requirements if the nomination is considered beyond the initial year
- The award is typically given to one individual, though in rare cases it may be shared for collaborative work
Who Should Apply
The award is ideal for:
- Young agricultural scientists and researchers
- Extension professionals and field practitioners
- Innovators working in agriculture, food production, or nutrition
- Development professionals applying scientific research at the grassroots level
Candidates should be actively engaged in improving agricultural productivity, sustainability, food security, or rural livelihoods through hands-on fieldwork.
Selection Criteria
Nominees are evaluated based on qualities aligned with the legacy of Dr Norman Borlaug, including:
- Persistence and resilience in challenging environments
- Innovation in agricultural research and field application
- Strong communication and cross-cultural engagement
- Effective extension of technologies to communities
- Leadership, collaboration, and capacity building
- Tangible impact on food production, nutrition, and poverty reduction
Nomination and Application Requirements
A complete nomination typically includes:
- A concise statement (up to 3,000 words) describing the nominee’s work, achievements, and impact
- A detailed CV or résumé, including birthdate, education, and professional experience
- One nomination letter
- Two letters of support (submitting more than two is discouraged)
- A professional headshot photograph
- Up to two action photographs showing the nominee working in the field
All materials should clearly demonstrate the nominee’s contribution to field-based agricultural research and application.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 1 June 2026
- Award Ceremony: October 2026 (during World Food Prize Week)
Why Apply for the Norman Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application 2026
Winning or being shortlisted for this award places recipients among a global network of recognised agricultural leaders. It validates field-based research efforts, enhances professional credibility, and amplifies the impact of work dedicated to feeding the world sustainably.
Need Support With Your Application?
If you need help with proposal drafting, refining, or professional review, expert support can significantly strengthen your nomination and improve clarity, alignment, and competitiveness.
📩 Contact us for proposal drafting, refining and review.
