University of Cumbria hosts first World Food Prize Foundation UK Youth Institute, inspiring young leaders on global food security

Supported by a network of partners and contributors, the inaugural event provided an experience designed to empower students to engage with global food security challenges and develop innovative solutions. In advance of the event, participants researched and wrote a Global Challenge Paper on issues related to hunger, sustainability, and agricultural development.

Pictured above: Dr Geoffrey Hawtin OBE

The day featured a series of inspiring contributions from speakers. Professor Robert Montgomery, Director of the Centre for National Parks and Protected Areas and Director of Research and Knowledge Exchange at the University of Cumbria, delivered a keynote address highlighting the importance of environmental stewardship. Dr Geoffrey Hawtin OBE, co-recipient of the World Food Prize in 2024 for his work establishing the Svalbard Global Seed Vault shared insights from his extensive work in agricultural biodiversity and global food crop security, as well as shaping sustainable food systems. Rebecca Picard, Senior Director of Global Youth Programs & Partnerships at the World Food Prize Foundation, offered remarks encouraging students to pursue impactful solutions and global engagement, as well as Alexander Scott, Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, commending the students for their insight and forward thinking.

Pictured above: Sofia Romy-Shimbles delivering her award-winning presentation

Students presented their research and recommendations through speeches at roundtable discussions with agriculture professionals and local leaders. The event was further strengthened by the support of these partner organisations, whose representatives facilitated discussions with exhibition space and contributed to the evaluation and scoring of student presentations and papers.

Pictured above: Students taking part in hands-on leadership challenges 

Pictured above: Students interacting with key partners, discussing careers opportunities and learning more about each organisation 

In addition to presentations, participants took part in interactive leadership challenges and engaged directly with employers and professionals working in fields aligned with their interests, gaining valuable insight into future career pathways.

Pictured above: Alexander Scott

Before presenting the awards, Alexander Scott, Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, addressed the students, saying: “Today we saw the next generation demonstrating curiosity, critical thinking and a willingness to confront these complex global issues head on.”

Pictured above: Dr Geoffrey Hawtin OBE, Alexander Scott and Rebecca Picard accompanying the new UK Borlaug Scholars 

All participating students were recognised as Borlaug Scholars, reflecting their achievement and commitment to addressing global food security challenges. The Borlaug Scholar title is awarded to those who have taken part in a Youth Institute programme linked to the World Food Prize Foundation, and is named after Norman Borlaug, the pioneering agricultural scientist known as the “father of the Green Revolution” who founded the World Food Prize after receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970. Becoming a Borlaug Scholar signifies that each student has researched a global food security issue, produced a Global Challenge Paper proposing solutions, and presented their ideas to experts and peers. It represents an opportunity, opening doors to further events, professional feedback, and international programmes.

Pictured above: Dr Geoffrey Hawtin OBE, Alexander Scott and Rebecca Picard accompanying the new UK student delegates, Georgia McMullin and Sofia Romy-Shimbles 

Two students were additionally honoured for their outstanding work by being named student delegates. Georgia McMullin of Keswick School and Sofia Romy-Shimbles of Burnley College stood out for the insight, originality, and impact of their research and presentations. As winners, they will each receive a trip to attend the Global Youth Institute in Des Moines, Iowa, where they will represent the United Kingdom on an international stage this October.

Beyond academic accomplishment, the event enabled students to connect with peer’s, exchange ideas, and build relationships with those who have similar interests, while exploring opportunities to make a difference both locally and globally.

Pictured above: Rebecca Picard

Rebecca Picard said: "The World Food Prize Foundation is so thrilled to partner with the University of Cumbria at Ambleside to host the first ever UK Youth Institute! It was such a wonderful day filled with big ideas, growing connections, and expanding global perspectives. The level of critical thinking about complex issues paired with the courage it takes to show up and share your voice was extremely impressive. I'm looking forward to building on the success of the inaugural UK Youth Institute and continuing this partnership and shared commitment to empowering youth to make meaningful change in the world." 

Pictured above: Professor Robert Montgomery

Professor Robert Montgomery said: “We are incredibly proud to have launched the first World Food Prize Foundation Youth Institute in the United Kingdom here at the University of Cumbria at Ambleside. The Youth Institute's empower young people to present solutions for some of the world's most pressing challenges. The level of insight and determination shown by the students reflects the strength of this programme in inspiring future leaders, and we are delighted to make these opportunities available to students in Cumbria and beyond.”

The success of this inaugural event highlights the importance of investing in youth engagement as a driver of change and establishes the UK Youth Institute as a vital new platform for nurturing the next generation of innovators and leaders.

To learn more about the World Food Prize Foundation, head to: The World Food Prize

To register for the 2027 UK Youth Institute, head to: United Kingdom Youth Institute