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Thought For Food: Competition to tackle the world's food crisis

02 Mar 2011

Encourage talented students (UG and PG) to apply for cross-disciplinary challenge by 9 March * Apply to be a competition judge

Today one billion people will go hungry. And today one billion people will over-consume. The world’s food system is failing. Food issues make headline news across the globe. And mankind faces its biggest challenge to date.

In the first initiative of its kind, Thought For Food will challenge 60 students at 12 of Europe’s leading universities to tackle the world’s food issues in innovative ways. Cross-disciplinary teams will brainstorm ideas, develop practical solutions and bring them to life in their local community.

Sponsored by Syngenta, the challenge will encourage talented students to break the rules, let their imaginations run wild and become the champions and visionaries for a new generation.

The University of Manchester is proud to be one of 12 Universities across Europe to take part in the inaugural Thought For Food European student challenge.

What does the challenge involve?

  • The University of Manchester has committed to take part in the challenge. We now need to form a team of five cross-disciplinary students, from both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
  • The challenge will be set on Tuesday 15 March 2011 and the team will have around two months to work on it.
  • The team's work will be featured in an online video that will record the whole project and share Thought For Food with the world.
  • Two of the University teams will showcase their work at One Young World in Zurich, the premier global forum for young people of leadership calibre.

Why should students get involved?

  • Make a positive contribution to society and leave a legacy for the world.
  • Collaborate in new ways and become an influential voice and ambassador for the next generation.
  • Enhance CVs, build networks and improve employability.
  • Access the expertise and thought leadership of respected European business leaders through mentorship.
  • Improve skills such as citizenship, responsibility, communication and collaboration.

Places on the team are open to all students under 27, although undergraduates should be aware that the competition would span their exam period and they would need the permission of their Course Leader if shortlisted. We’re looking for team members from all four faculties: Engineering & Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Medical & Human Sciences, and Humanities, including Manchester Business School.

Head of School, Professor Andrew Gibson, said: “By getting out into the field with our colleagues from the farming and food sectors, we are unearthing novel engineering solutions to help meet their needs. The Thought For Food competition is an excellent opportunity for our brightest and best students to excel in this.”

Students who wish to register their interest should email:

Applicants should attach a CV and write a small paragraph outlining their skills, background and why they’re the ideal person to deliver a truly innovative solution that will help the planet to feed 9 billion people by 2050.

Deadline

  • 9 March 2011

Apply to be a judge

Members of University staff who are interested in judging shortlisted applicants and who would be available for 60-90 minutes on Friday 11 March between 12 and 4pm, should contact: