Alsea Foundation Prize for Research Projects 2026: USD150,000 Funding for Food and Nutrition Research

The Fundación Alsea, AC, in partnership with World Vision México, has opened applications for the Alsea Foundation Prize for Research Projects 2026.

The international research funding initiative supports innovative and impactful research projects focused on food systems, nutrition security, sustainability, and public health, particularly projects benefiting vulnerable populations.

The programme aims to strengthen evidence-based solutions that improve food and nutritional security while contributing to sustainable development and informing public policy.

The initiative also aligns with broader global priorities, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), by encouraging interdisciplinary research and sustainable approaches to food and nutrition systems.

Funding Support

• Total award value: USD150,000
• One winning project will receive the full funding award

Funding Allocation Rules

Applicants must structure budgets according to the following requirements:

• Maximum 50% of the funding may be used for:
  • Personnel costs
  • Dissemination and communication activities
• At least 50% of the funding must be allocated to:
  • Direct project implementation and execution

Project Duration

• Maximum implementation period: 24 months

Additional Benefits

The winning project will also receive:

• Official recognition from Fundación Alsea and World Vision México
• Visibility and recognition within international food and nutrition research networks

Eligible Countries

Applicants must be based in one of the following countries:

• Argentina
• Colombia
• Chile
• Spain
• Mexico
• Paraguay
• Uruguay

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Academics
• Researchers
• Research teams
• Interdisciplinary research groups

Eligible Institutions

Applicants must be affiliated with:

• Universities
• Research centres
• Public or private health institutions
• NGOs or civil society organisations with academic support

Research Focus Areas

Projects should address areas such as:

• Food security and nutrition systems
• Sustainable agriculture and food practices
• Nutrition and public health
• Policy development and implementation
• Sustainable food systems
• Support for vulnerable populations
• Evidence-based nutrition interventions

What Makes a Strong Proposal?

Competitive proposals are expected to:

• Demonstrate innovation and originality
• Address real-world food and nutrition challenges
• Show potential for public policy influence
• Include sustainability approaches
• Promote collaboration across institutions or countries
• Demonstrate measurable social impact
• Support capacity building and knowledge generation

Experimental Research

Experimental components are permitted where they:

• Strengthen research quality
• Improve long-term impact potential
• Support innovation and scientific advancement

Ineligible Projects

The following are not eligible:

• Business-focused projects
• Primarily commercial ventures
• Non-original or plagiarised submissions

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Submit original and unpublished proposals
• Demonstrate alignment with programme objectives
• Provide a formal institutional commitment letter
• Show implementation and sustainability capacity
• Present realistic timelines and budgets

Evaluation Criteria

Projects will be evaluated based on:

• Academic quality
• Innovation and originality
• Methodology
• Contribution to knowledge generation
• Relevance to food and nutrition systems
• Potential impact on vulnerable populations
• Policy relevance
• Feasibility and sustainability

The evaluation process will follow a blind review system conducted by an international Scientific Committee.

Important Dates

• Publication of rules: 16 March 2026
• Application deadline: 24 June 2026 at 18:00 (Central Mexico Time)
• Evaluation period: 1 July – 28 August 2026
• Final decision announcement: 5 October 2026

Scientific Committee

The Scientific Committee includes prominent researchers from:

• Mexico
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Spain

Why This Opportunity Matters

The Alsea Foundation Prize supports research that can:

• Improve food and nutrition outcomes
• Influence high-impact public policy
• Address vulnerabilities in food systems
• Promote sustainable and equitable development
• Strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration across countries

The initiative is particularly important for researchers seeking to translate scientific knowledge into practical, policy-oriented solutions that improve public health and nutrition security.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants are advised to avoid:

• Weak policy relevance
• Poor alignment with food and nutrition priorities
• Missing institutional documentation
• Unrealistic budgets or timelines
• Lack of sustainability planning
• Non-original submissions

Application Process

Applicants are encouraged to:

1. Develop a research concept aligned with programme priorities
2. Prepare a detailed proposal and methodology
3. Secure institutional support documentation
4. Structure the budget according to programme rules
5. Submit all required documentation before the deadline

Click HERE to view the official website