Norman E. Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application, Endowed by The Rockefeller Foundation
The $10,000 Norman Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application, Endowed by The Rockefeller Foundation, will be presented every October, by the World Food Prize Foundation.
This award recognizes exceptional, science-based achievement in international agriculture and food production by an individual under 40 who has clearly demonstrated intellectual courage, stamina and determination in the fight to eliminate global hunger and poverty.
The award honors an individual who is working closely and directly “in the field” or at the production or processing level with farmers, animal herders, fishers or others in rural communities, in any discipline or enterprise across the entire food production, processing and distribution chain.
To nominate a deserving individual, please visit this form. Nominations are due June 1.
Criteria for the Award
Candidates will be evaluated and selected based on the attributes and accomplishments that reflect those demonstrated by Dr. Borlaug during his work in field research and application, which include:
Exhibiting Dr. Borlaug’s “never give up” attitude, even in the face of adversity, difficult circumstances, limitation of resources and/or critique from colleagues.
Applying Dr. Borlaug’s credo “reach for the stars” in pursuing innovative pathways, methods and solutions in a quest to provide adequate food and nutrition for the world’s people.
Emulating Dr. Borlaug’s example of understanding local cultures; working effectively in cross-cultural, cross-disciplinary situations; identifying the needs and assets of people in a given community or region; and connecting with a diverse array of stakeholders.
Facilitating positive change through rigorous research methods, techniques, management approaches and/or strategies that result in increased food production, availability, distribution and/or better nutrition.
Extending innovative discoveries and technologies in plant science, animal science and/or food science to underserved farmers and consumers.
Providing hands-on science training and education to stakeholders in rural communities, including farm families and agricultural and food production workers.
Applying improved technologies and/or management systems to crops and/or animal agriculture for sustainable production, more nutritious food and a reduction of poverty.
Demonstrating leadership of other agricultural professionals, field researchers and/or practitioners working in collaborative programs aimed at reducing hunger and poverty and revitalizing communities.
Increasing the amount of food available through all of the above. Dr. Borlaug was always about making a difference and “putting more food on the plate.”
Nominee Eligibility #1
Nominees must be under the age of 40 (40th birthday not reached before World Food Day, October 16, of the year in which the award is presented).
Nominee Eligibility #2
Nominees must be actively working in the discipline, research area, position or on the project(s) for which they are being recognized. They may be associated with a public or private educational, research or development organization or related entity.
Nominee Eligibility #3
Nominees remain eligible for consideration beyond the year of their nomination, at the discretion of the Award Jury, as long as the award criteria and age requirement are met.
Nominee Eligibility #4
The award is intended to be presented to one person. In unusual and rare circumstances, another person may share the award for pronounced collaborative efforts and achievement.
Borlaug Field Award
Nomination Documentation
All nominations must be submitted in English online at worldfoodprize.org/borlaugfieldawardsubmissionform
Required Nomination Documentation:
- A concise statement (3000-word limit) explaining and describing:
- the nominee’s work and accomplishments, with details and examples that illustrate several of the criteria specified for this award;
- how, in doing this work, the nominee reflects the attributes demonstrated by Dr. Borlaug during his early career; and
- the impact or results of the nominee’s work.
- Nominee’s Curriculum Vitae or resume, including date of birth, country of origin, education and professional background.
- One (1) nomination letter and two (2) letters of support describing, explaining and emphasizing the main achievements of the nominee must be provided with the nomination. Due to the high volume of nominations, please do not submit more than two support letters.
- Photos: A head shot of the nominee is required (minimum 300 dpi resolution); 2 additional action photos of the nominee at work may also be submitted.
Nomination & Selection Process
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By empowering students to explore real-world food system challenges, Global Youth Institute helps prepare future changemakers dedicated to creating a more food-secure world.
Who Can Nominate
- Any individual or organization may submit a nomination. Nomination letters from organizations must be signed by an executive officer. Self-nominations will not be accepted.
- Nominators should have a direct knowledge of the nominee’s work and should provide a number of specific examples, explaining how the nominee’s accomplishments align with the award criteria.
- Letters of support may come from individuals or organizations with a direct knowledge or a basic understanding of the nominee’s work.
Nomination Documentation
To receive the award, individuals selected must attend the award ceremony and also participate in media engagements and other World Food Prize Foundation events in mid-October in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. The Foundation will provide roundtrip air transportation for one award winner from his or her place of employment, as well as meals and lodging while in Des Moines.
Are you interested in nominating an individual for the Borlaug Field Award, but have questions about the process? The World Food Prize Foundation team shares insights into the nomination process and responds to potential nominators’ questions in our how-to webinar. Register to attend one of our “How to Nominate” webinars.
Award Jury
An independent jury of international agricultural experts appointed by the Foundation will review and evaluate nominations, deliberate and select an annual winner of the Borlaug Field Award. The Award Jury is chaired by Dr. Ronnie Coffman, who worked directly in field research with Dr. Borlaug in Mexico.
The Rockefeller Foundation is not involved in the selection process. Communication concerning the nomination to Dr. Coffman, any other member of the jury or The Rockefeller Foundation may result in the disqualification of the nominee.
Announcement of the Award
The recipient of the Borlaug Field Award will be announced to the public and the media in the period of August/September
Presentation of the Award
The Borlaug Field Award will be presented in a ceremony during the annual World Food Prize Week of Events in Des Moines, Iowa, on or near World Food Day, October 16.
Recipients
The Borlaug Field Award Recipients represent the next generation of changemakers advancing agricultural innovation, food security and sustainable farming practices. Each recipient is recognized for impactful work in the field that improves food access and strengthens global food systems.
Borlaug Field Award Promotional Toolkit
Access the Borlaug Field Award Promotional Toolkit to find downloadable media assets, promotional materials, and outreach resources related to the award and its recipients. Designed for partners, media professionals, and organizations, the toolkit helps share stories of emerging leaders advancing global food security, agriculture, and hunger solutions through field-based innovation.
Please note that you must have a free Trello account in order to view and download the promotional toolkit.