The Norman Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application, endowed by The Rockefeller Foundation and presented by the World Food Prize Foundation, recognizes exceptional achievement by individuals under the age of 40 in international agriculture. Unlike academic-only prizes, this award specifically honors those working “in the field” with farmers, herders, and rural communities. It celebrates the “Borlaugian” attributes of intellectual courage, stamina, and determination, providing a $10,000 grant and global recognition during the World Food Prize events in October.
Norman Borlaug Award 2026 Summary Table
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Deadline | June 1, 2026 |
| Award Amount | $10,000 |
| Age Limit | Under 40 (by Oct 16, 2026) |
| Ceremony Date | October 16, 2026 (World Food Day) |
| Location | Des Moines, Iowa, USA |
Norman Borlaug Award 2026 Details
Named after the “Father of the Green Revolution,” Dr. Norman Borlaug, this award is not just for research in a lab, but for the application of science to real-world problems.
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Focus Areas
The award targets the entire food value chain:
- Production: Improving crop yields and animal health.
- Processing: Enhancing food safety and shelf-life.
- Distribution: Streamlining how food reaches underserved populations.
- Rural Engagement: Direct work with farmers, fishers, and herders.
The “Borlaug Spirit”
Candidates are expected to mirror Dr. Borlaug’s early career traits: working in difficult conditions, overcoming limited resources, and maintaining a “never give up” attitude to “put more food on the plate.”
Norman Borlaug Award 2026 Selection Criteria
Nominees are evaluated on nine core pillars:
- Persistence: Stamina in the face of adversity or critique.
- Innovation: Pursuing “reach for the stars” pathways in nutrition.
- Communication: Cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary effectiveness.
- Research/Science: Rigorous methods leading to increased food availability.
- Extension: Bringing technology to underserved rural stakeholders.
- Education: Hands-on training for farm families and workers.
- Application: Sustainable management of crops/animal systems.
- Leadership: Leading collaborative programs to revitalize communities.
- Impact: Measurable results in reducing hunger and poverty.
Norman Borlaug Award 2026 Eligibility Requirements
- Age: Must not have reached their 40th birthday before October 16, 2026.
- Active Status: Must be currently working in the field/position for which they are being recognized.
- Affiliation: Can be from public/private sectors, NGOs, or educational institutions.
- Individual Focus: Primarily awarded to one person; collaborative shares are extremely rare.
Norman Borlaug Award 2026 Nomination Process (Document Checklist)
1. Nomination Statement (3,000 Words Max)
This is the core of the application. It must detail:
- The nominee’s specific work and science-based accomplishments.
- Direct evidence of how the work reflects Dr. Borlaug’s attributes.
- Quantitative and qualitative impact of the work on global hunger.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Must include:
- Date of birth.
- Country of origin.
- Complete educational and professional background.
3. Recommendation Letters
- One (1) Nomination Letter: From the person/organization submitting the name.
- Two (2) Letters of Support: From external colleagues/stakeholders.
- Note: Do not exceed three total letters.
4. Visual Evidence
- One professional high-resolution headshot (300 dpi).
- Up to two “action photos” showing the nominee working in the field.
Application Deadline: 2nd June, 2026
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Norman Borlaug Award 2026 FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Can I nominate myself? While the guidelines focus on “nominees,” most prestigious awards require an external nominator (supervisor, colleague, or professional organization).
2. Does the work have to be in a specific country? No, but the focus is on “international agriculture” and the fight against “global hunger,” implying impact in areas with food security challenges.
3. What happens if I turn 40 on October 15, 2026? You would be ineligible. You must not have reached your 40th birthday before World Food Day (Oct 16).
4. Is this award for PhD students? It can be, but the award emphasizes “achievement” and “impact” rather than potential, so most winners are early-to-mid-career professionals.
5. How is the $10,000 paid? The award is presented during the World Food Prize Week events in Des Moines. Typically, it is a direct prize to the individual.
6. Can I apply again if I don’t win this year? Yes. Nominees remain eligible in future years at the Jury’s discretion, provided they still meet the age requirement.
7. Does the award cover travel to Iowa? The ceremony is a major event; typically, the Foundation facilitates the attendance of the laureate for the presentation.
8. What counts as “Field Research”? Any science-based activity that involves direct interaction with the production or processing level—essentially, getting “dirt under your fingernails” to solve food problems.
9. Are there specific disciplines preferred? No. It covers plant science, animal science, food science, extension, or any enterprise across the food chain.
10. How important are the photos? The action photos are crucial for the Jury to see the “Field Application” aspect of the nominee’s work.
