What is SLU Youth Institute?
SLU Youth Institute aims to create interest among youth for global food security and to find sustainable solutions to the global challenges based on the SDGs. Read more at our Swedish website!
Why participate?
At this event, participating high school students have the opportunity to:
- Present research and recommendations on ways to solve key global challenges in a short speech and small group discussions with experts
- Connect with other high school students to share ideas, identify solutions to these problems and build lasting friendships
- Explore the issues, current research, and opportunities to make a difference
- Interact with researchers, global leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs working to end hunger and poverty and improve food security around the world.
The reports will be evaluated by The World Food Prize Board of Reviews. This distinguished group of educators and experts was established to personally encourage the high school students. Reviewers write thoughtful, personalised feedback to each student who participates in the Youth Institute.
How to participate
To participate in the SLU Youth Institute, students research a global issue and write a thesis. Students can participate either with the entire class or individually.
There is no registration cost to participate in the Youth Institute. Further information about activities within SLU Youth Institute will be posted at the web page continuously.
Further opportunities for participants
Three students will be nominated to participate in a global conference. The students will in October 2025 travel to World Food Forum in Rome, Italy, to learn more about global food systems.
For everyone participating in SLU Youth Institute, there are internship opportunities open at our partner World Food Prize Foundation.
World Food Prize Foundation
- Recognizing and rewarding individuals making exceptional achievements in addressing food security;
- Convening global leaders in Des Moines each year to address the latest issues and innovations in food and agriculture;
- Inspiring and recognizing exceptional students in Iowa, in the U.S. and around the world by providing educational and professional experiences on pressing food security and agriculture issues; and
- Addressing Iowa's challenges and successes in fighting hunger and poverty through the Iowa Hunger Summit and Directory.
The World Food Prize Foundation was initially sponsored and formed by businessman and philanthropist John Ruan, Sr. with support from the Governor and State Legislature of Iowa. Mr. Ruan endowed The Prize and relocated it to Des Moines in 1990 when its first sponsor withdrew. Without Mr. Ruan's generosity, the Prize and Dr. Borlaug's vision could not have continued. Today, more than 80 companies, foundations and individuals support the Foundation. In 2001, John Ruan's son, John Ruan III, succeeded his father as chairman of the Board of the Foundation. A distinguished international Council of Advisors provides guidance and support to the Foundation.