The World Food Forum (WFF) Transformative Research Challenge is a global competition designed to empower young researchers to develop innovative and impactful solutions to transform agrifood systems. WFF supports participants in developing research proposals that lead to actionable and tangible solutions. Winning teams receive up to US$10 thousand in research funding to implement their projects. Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in a field related to agrifood systems, such as agriculture, food science, environmental science, sustainable development, or other related disciplines. Applications must be submitted by 09 May 2025. Transformative Research Challenge
Day: May 1, 2025
NewGen — Renewable Energy Accelerator
The NewGen Renewable Energy Accelerator (NewGen) supports the development and implementation of youth-led solutions in the climate and sustainable energy sectors. The program consists of a series of training, mentoring, and knowledge-sharing activities. Youth-led start-ups, scale-ups, and growth businesses from all around the world can apply. Eligible candidates must be between 18 and 35 years old. The application deadline is 10 May 2025. Renewable Energy Accelerator
United Nations — Marine and Coastal Ecosystems
The SEA Grants program supports community-based conservation initiatives and research aimed at enhancing marine and coastal ecosystem management in the East Asian Seas region. Grants range from US$5,000 to US$50,000 for projects lasting 12 to 18 months. Eligible applicants include local organizations, NGOs, and community groups operating in countries participating in the SCS SAP. The application deadline is 15 May 2025. SEA Grants
Enel Foundation — Africa’s Clean Energy Future
The Enel Foundation invites young African leaders (between 24 and 35 years) to apply for the Open Africa Power program. Open Africa Power is an education venture aiming to forge a new generation of African leaders deeply engaged with their country’s clean energy future. Up to 150 African students and early-career professionals will have the opportunity to participate in professional development and leadership activities. The application deadline is 16 May 2025. Open Africa Power
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Zimbabwe, Botswana and Malawi
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives supports small-scale, high-impact projects in Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Malawi. The priorities under this call include women’s economic rights (which can include agriculture), environment and climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation, as well as on water management. The average contribution is C$35 thousand to C$50 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to local community organizations, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. Expressions of Interest have to be submitted by 16 May 2025. CFLI
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Thailand
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives supports small-scale, high-impact projects in Thailand. The priorities under this call include women’s economic rights (which can include agriculture), environment and climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation, as well as on water management. The average contribution is C$15 thousand to C$30 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to local community organizations, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. Expressions of Interest have to be submitted by 16 May 2025. CFLI Thailand
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Laos
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives supports small-scale, high-impact projects in Laos. The priorities under this call include women’s economic rights (which can include agriculture), environment and climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation, as well as on water management. The average contribution is C$15 thousand to C$30 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to local community organizations, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. Expressions of Interest have to be submitted by 16 May 2025. CFLI Laos
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Cambodia
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives invites proposals that meet the needs of local communities in Cambodia. The priorities under this call include environment, climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation, and water management. The average contribution is C$15 thousand to C$30 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to local community organizations, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. The deadline for submission is 16 May 2025. CFLI Cambodia
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Egypt
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) invites proposals that meet the needs of local communities in Egypt. The priorities under this call include environment, climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation, and water management. The average contribution is expected to be in the range of C$30 thousand to C$40 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to not-for-profit local, national, or community-based organizations. The deadline for submission is 18 May 2025. CFLI Egypt
Wellcome Trust — Early-Career Awards
The Wellcome Trust supports bold and creative discovery research that has the potential to improve human life, health, and well-being. The Early-Career Awards provide funding for early-career researchers from any discipline who are ready to develop their research identity through innovative projects. Research can be in any discipline, including STEM, experimental medicine, or climate – as long as it has the potential to improve human life. The Trust covers the researcher’s salary and up to £400 thousand for research expenses. The applicant’s host organization has to be based in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, or a low- or middle-income country (apart from India and mainland China). The deadline for new applications is 22 May 2025. Early-Career Research Awards