About
The World Food Academy 4 Sustainable Food Systems is a multi-partner ecosystem dedicated to advancing education, career development, and collaboration in food, nutrition, science, and technology.
A Collaborative Ecosystem for Sustainable Food Systems
The Academy brings together industry experts, international organizations, and research partners to support the next generation of professionals working to transform global food systems.
In its initial phase, the Academy focuses on university students and early-career researchers, particularly from priority regions in the Global South. Through partnerships and knowledge exchange, the initiative aims to strengthen skills, expand learning opportunities, and create pathways for innovation in sustainable food systems.
The initiative will also promote career development opportunities, potentially including specialized capacity development programs, sabbaticals, internships, and fellowships.
The World Food Academy 4 Sustainable Food Systems was developed by UNU-INWEH
The United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) is one of 13 institutes comprising the United Nations University (UNU), the academic arm of the United Nations. Established in 1996 through an agreement with the Government of Canada, UNU-INWEH is headquartered in the City of Richmond Hill, Ontario.
UNU-INWEH specializes in addressing critical global security and development challenges at the intersection of water, environment, and health. Through research, capacity development, policy engagement, and knowledge dissemination, the institute bridges the gap between scientific evidence and the practical needs of policymakers and UN member states, with particular attention to low- and middle-income countries. By collaborating with a diverse array of partners—including UN agencies, governments, academia, the private sector, and civil society—UNU-INWEH develops solutions that advance human security, resilience, and sustainability worldwide.
Join us
The strength of the World Food Academy for Sustainable Food Systems lies in bringing together leading experts from the food industry, international organizations, and research institutions to accelerate progress toward sustainable food systems.
We welcome partners who share this vision. Those committed to advancing sustainable food systems are invited to become partners of the Academy and collaborate with us on education, research, and capacity-building initiatives.
Contact for more info: worldfoodacademy@unu.edu
The Food Research and Innovation Center (FRIC) at the University of Fribourg, based in Fribourg, Switzerland, is an interdisciplinary hub dedicated to advancing research and innovation across food systems, nutrition, health, and consumer behavior. Bringing together researchers from all faculties, FRIC fosters collaboration among natural, medical, social, and human sciences to address complex food-related challenges. Through research, education, and partnerships with academic, industry, and societal stakeholders, FRIC develops evidence-based solutions that contribute to healthier, more sustainable, and resilient food systems at local, national, and global levels.
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), based in Uppsala, Sweden, is an internationally recognized institution for its interdisciplinary research on sustainable food systems. By integrating expertise in agriculture, biology, environmental sciences, nutrition, and food science and technology, SLU develops innovative solutions that promote sustainable food production, food quality, resource efficiency, and resilience across the entire food value chain. Through strong collaboration with industry, policymakers, and society, SLU contributes to addressing global challenges related to food security, climate change, and healthy, sustainable diets.
The UNU Hub on Resilient Environment, Agriculture, Climate and Health for Africa (REACH-AFRICA) at the University of Pretoria’s Future Africa Campus, based in Pretoria, South Africa, platform is an interdisciplinary Hub committed to advancing scientific understanding, developing innovative solutions, and training the skilled workforce needed to address Africa’s interconnected water, food, agricultural, environmental, climate, health, and sustainability challenges. The UNU Hub on REACH-AFRICA is established in partnership with the UNU Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) and is the first UNU Hub established in Africa and the Global South.
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Academic Partners
Africa University, based in Mutare, Zimbabwe, is a private institution of higher learning and a pioneering model of Pan-African education. Established by the United Methodist Church in 1992, the University was envisioned as a continental hub where Africa’s diverse voices, talents, and aspirations converge. Today, Africa University hosts students from over 35 African countries, creating a vibrant, multicultural campus that embodies unity in diversity. Its mission is clear: to nurture leaders equipped to transform communities, strengthen governance, and drive innovation across the continent. From artificial intelligence to transformative work in public health, leadership, and governance, Africa University continues to lead the way in shaping Africa’s future.
Institute of Geo-Hydroinformatics at Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), based in Hamburg, Germany, addresses pressing challenges at the intersection of soil, water, and climate. The institute seeks to understand how environmental systems respond to climate and human pressures, and to transform this understanding into sustainable solutions. It investigates a broad range of interconnected challenges, including soil degradation and salinization, soil health, crop production and food security, groundwater dynamics, evaporation and water losses, water security, land–atmosphere interactions, drought and extreme events.The institute increasingly harnesses artificial intelligence, machine learning, big-data analytics, satellite remote sensing, and advanced computational methods to observe, understand, and predict complex environmental processes.
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The EPFL Center for Food Challenges (CFFC) based in Lausanne, Switzerland, is an interdisciplinary research center dedicated to advancing innovative solutions to critical food systems challenges, with a focus on nutrition and health, soil sustainability, and the future of food production. Through the design and implementation of bold, high-risk, high-reward research initiatives and programs, the Center aims to tackle key societal challenges in the food systems and drive measurable improvements on how food is grown, processed and consumed.
The UNU Hub on Engineering to Face Climate Change at Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), based in Hamburg, Germany, aims to establish a shared vision and framework that leverages cutting-edge technical expertise, climate science and engineering tools to innovative sustainable solutions. Hamburg University of technology is a competitive, family-oriented and sustainable university with high performance and quality standards that strives for research excellence in basic research and its fields of competence. It is an internationally oriented university committed to the Humboldtian ideal of education. It contributes to the development of the technical-scientific competence of society by educating the next generation of engineers with modern teaching and learning methods. UNU Hub on Engineering to Face Climate Change is established in partnership with the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH).
Gaston Berger University (UGB), based in Saint-Louis, Senegal, is one of Senegal's leading public universities, with a strong African and international outlook. Its Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, Aquaculture and Food Technologies (UFR S2ATA) is a centre of excellence dedicated to education, research, and innovation in agronomic sciences, aquaculture, and food technologies. Its Department of Food Technology plays a leading role in developing science-based and innovative solutions for food processing, food quality and safety, post-harvest technologies, the sustainable valorization of local agricultural and fisheries resources, nutrition, and sustainable food systems. Through national, regional, and international partnerships, the Department conducts applied research, promotes technology transfer and innovation, and provides training to undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students, as well as professionals.
Université Nangui ABROGOUA, based in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, is a thematic university specializing in scientific and technical education and research. Its core mission is to train scientific and technical professionals in environmental management and food technology, while advancing research and the application and dissemination of its results. The University’s academic and research activities span Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), environmental and life sciences, biotechnology, and renewable energy. It also promotes knowledge exchange, development-oriented initiatives, international cooperation, and student support to facilitate academic and professional integration.
The World Food System Center at ETH Zurich, based in Zurich, Switzerland, is an interdisciplinary network dedicated to advancing sustainable food systems for a healthy world. The Center brings together researchers from across ETH Zurich to tackle complex food system challenges through collaborative research, education, and outreach. By connecting scientific disciplines and fostering dialogue with stakeholders from academia, policy, industry, and civil society, the Center supports innovative solutions that address the interconnected issues of food security, nutrition, environmental sustainability, and livelihoods.
The International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) is an independent, international research institute based in Laxenburg, Austria. Founded in 1972, IIASA conducts interdisciplinary, policy-oriented research to support evidence-based decision-making at regional and global levels. Its research addresses interconnected environmental, economic, technological, and social challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, food security, and sustainable development. Through advanced systems analysis and integrated modeling, IIASA explores pathways toward more sustainable and resilient futures.
The Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) at University of Technology Sydney, based in Sydney, Australia, has extensive international experience in food systems research across Australia, the Pacific, Southeast Asia, Africa and South Asia. ISF works with governments, industry, communities and development partners to address complex food system challenges through transdisciplinary, action-oriented research. Our key focus areas include climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture, food security and nutrition, circular economy and nutrient recycling, food loss and waste reduction, climate adaptation and mitigation, inclusive market systems, governance and policy, and social inclusion. We combine systems thinking, participatory research and policy engagement to support more equitable, resilient and sustainable food systems.
Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) is a private and not-for-profit university based in Lahore, Pakistan. Its guiding philosophy is "Learning Without Borders," and it is recognized for academic excellence and socially engaged research. LUMS draws on strengths in science and engineering, business, humanities and social sciences, and law and policy to tackle the grand challenges that prevail within the Global South and beyond. Its work includes sustainable food systems, water and environment, clean energy, climate change, public health, and development policies. LUMS collaborates with academia, industry, governments, and international organizations to translate evidence into practice and train future leaders of sustainable development.
Nestlé Research & Development drives science-based innovation in foods and beverages for people and pets across all life stages. Building on the positive reception of Nestlé’s Science & Technology Seminars, launched in 2023 as a key initiative within the Nestlé YOUth Entrepreneurship Platform (YEP), Nestlé R&D experts will contribute to the World Food Academy for Sustainable Food Systems by sharing their expertise in food science and technology, nutrition science, agricultural sciences, and sustainability.
Industry Partners
Givaudan is a global leader in Fragrance & Beauty and Taste & Wellbeing. Working closely with its customers, the company creates food experiences, crafts inspiring fragrances, and develops beauty and wellbeing solutions that help people look and feel good. In 2025, Givaudan employed more than 17,500 people worldwide and achieved sales of CHF 7.5 billion. With a heritage spanning more than 250 years, Givaudan is committed to driving long-term, sustainable growth by enhancing people’s health and happiness and increasing its positive impact on nature.
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