Academia and Research Institutions

 

FAO partners with Academia and Research Institutions all over the world. Find out more about our alliances, and related publications, by exploring below.

 

The collaboration between FAO and CIHEAM aims to develop a common strategic cooperation agenda to support agriculture, food, and sustainable rural development in the Mediterranean. To achieve this, FAO and CIHEAM organize and participate in regional and global policy consultation processes and awareness-raising events which highlight the important contributions of the Mediterranean perspectives and advance Mediterranean issues related to food security and nutrition. Further activities involve supporting field programme implementation, developing technical capacities, and generating and sharing expertise.

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2015

COUNTRY: France

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange

Resources:

2020: FAO-CIHEAM Partnership - Advancing sustainable rural development in the Mediterranean

2015: White Paper - Mediterranean food consumption patterns: diet, environment, society, economy and health

The collaboration between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) aims to advance genetic engineering and biotechnological solutions to strengthen agrifood systems globally. The partnership focuses on joint work in areas such as bioinoculants, microbiomes, biofertilizers, biopesticides and biosafety, while supporting Member countries through scientific expertise, capacity development, technology transfer and the preparation of knowledge products and policy briefs. By combining FAO’s strategic leadership with ICGEB’s scientific excellence, the collaboration promotes innovation to address food security, environmental sustainability and climate-related challenges, contributing to FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022–31 and relevant SDG targets.

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2025

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange

FAO and IIASA collaborate to enhance sustainable agriculture and food security through systems analysis, data sharing, and capacity development. The partnership supports innovation in land, water, crop, and livestock modelling, with a focus on climate adaptation.

Joint efforts include updating the Global Agro-Ecological Zoning (GAEZ) platform, developing open-source tools, and organizing knowledge-sharing events. The collaboration contributes to several SDGs and supports FAO’s vision for better production and a better environment.

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2025

COUNTRY: Austria

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange, Non State Actors, Partnerships, Technical cooperation and expertise

The partnership aims to strengthen the deployment of applied modern renewable energy technologies in agricultural practices and food value chains and accelerate sustainable use of bioenergy

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2021

COUNTRY: United Arab Emirates

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Non State Actors, Partnerships, Technical cooperation and expertise

FAO and the International Society for Horticulture Science joined in a partnership in 2021 with the objectives of developing capacities and raising awareness in the areas of horticulture, including innovation, traditional knowledge, climate change, environmental protection, sustainable healthy diets, nutrition security, and inclusive and resilient agrifood systems.

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2021

COUNTRY: Belgium

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Capacity Development

The collaboration between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Istituto di Scienza e Tecnologie dell’Informazione “A. Faedo” (CNR‑ISTI) strengthens digital infrastructures and data services to support sustainable fisheries and aquaculture management. The partnership focuses on maintaining and expanding the iMarine platform, delivering cost‑efficient and cross‑disciplinary data services for the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries and Aquaculture, and advancing tools that promote the sustainable use of marine living resources. Through joint capacity development, adoption of FAIR data services, and cloud‑based innovations, the collaboration supports FAO’s Blue Transformation agenda and contributes to SDG 14.

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2025

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange

This partnership, active through a MoU signed in 2015, envisions joint activities to promote knowledge exchange and policy dialogue to support research and advocacy in areas of food security, food loss and waste, sustainable agricultural mechanization, and Climate Smart Agriculture. Main activities include information analysis on food demand and supply modeling and joint research and advocacy on soil and crops​.

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2015

COUNTRY: Japan

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Knowledge Exchange

The partnership between FAO and the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences focuses on rural revitalization and on developing sustainable, resilient and efficient food systems in urban and rural areas, with particular attention to the poor and vulnerable farmers in the Jiangsu and the Yangtze River Delta region. The collaboration promotes farmer field schools’ training programmes, workshops and the dissemination of tools and best practices for local partners to increase food safety.

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2020

COUNTRY: China

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange

The collaboration between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University (KazNARU) aims to strengthen agricultural education, research, and innovation to support sustainable food systems and natural resource management in Kazakhstan. This partnership focuses on enhancing food and water security through knowledge exchange, promoting sustainable practices in natural resource management and biodiversity conservation, and empowering youth through capacity development and digital learning. The collaboration also supports the integration of FAO’s e-learning tools and global research platforms into academic curricula, fostering innovation and practical skills among students. Through joint initiatives, workshops, and research, the Parties contribute to building resilient agrifood systems and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2025

COUNTRY: Kazakhstan

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange

FAO and the Libera Università Internazionale degli Studi Sociali Guido Carli collaborate to develop capacities on subjects related to FAO’s mandate, including through the joint creation of the Master of Law in Food Law. The degree program covers themes such as agricultural and industrial production, distribution and international trade, quality and food safety controls, consumer information among others. Further partnership activities also include the development of internship programs, expert lecture series, and roundtable discussions on food loss and waste.

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2022

COUNTRY: Italy

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange

FAO and the Lomonosov Moscow State University have signed an agreement to strengthen the economic and social advancement of Eurasian countries through capacity development. The partnership aims to promote knowledge exchange for developing institutional capacities and technical competencies related to natural resources management (with a focus on soils), agricultural innovation, food security and nutrition.

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2019

COUNTRY: Russian Federation

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange

Resources:

2023: Promoting soils for better nutrition, better production and a better life

FAO and the Mississippi State University started their collaboration in 2010 with the objective to enhance the capacity of developing countries in managing animal and veterinary public health, plant health, and food and nutrition security. Since the establishment of the partnership the exchange of resources and the implementation of capacity development activities contributed to strengthening policies and national action plans. Further key achievements include the successful exchange of knowledge in antimicrobial resistance, the development of awareness-raising and support to aquaculture biosecurity, and the participation of Mississippi State University students in internship programmes to prepare them to become future food security practitioners.    

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2010

COUNTRY: United States of America

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Capacity Development

Resources:

2020: Strengthening food security through innovative aquaculture management

Initiated in 2017,the collaboration between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy aims to strengthen regional capacities in sustainable agriculture, food security, and rural development through knowledge sharing, research, and education. This partnership focuses on advancing sustainable soil management, empowering smallholders and family farms, enhancing agrifood trade and market integration, and promoting responsible governance of tenure. It also supports curriculum development and outreach on key FAO initiatives such as Climate-Smart Agriculture and the Sustainable Development Goals. Through joint projects, technical cooperation, and capacity development, this collaboration contributes to building resilient agrifood systems and fostering innovation in alignment with FAO’s Strategic Framework and regional priorities.

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2017

COUNTRY: Russian Federation

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Capacity Development

The collaboration between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the S. Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University (KATRU) aims to strengthen Kazakhstan’s agricultural research, education, and innovation systems to support sustainable development and food security. This partnership focuses on enhancing food security and nutrition through knowledge exchange, promoting sustainable natural resource management in the context of climate change and biodiversity conservation, and empowering youth through capacity development and digital learning. By integrating FAO’s technical expertise with KATRU’s academic strengths, the collaboration supports the development of climate-resilient agriculture, improved soil and water governance, and the adoption of digital tools and certified e-learning programs. Together, FAO and KATRU are working to build resilient agrifood systems.

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2025

COUNTRY: Kazakhstan

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange

Since 2016 Sapienza University and FAO have been collaborating with the goal of enhancing food security and sustainability in agriculture through innovative research, knowledge sharing, capacity development, and responsible investment in agriculture. Joint work implemented since the beginning of this partnership has included sharing expertise through seminars, formulation of academic curricula, establishment of internships, and the launch of online courses related to FAO’s mandate and the Sustainable Development Goals.

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2016

COUNTRY: Italy

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange

The collaboration between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Southeast Asia One Health University Network (SEAOHUN) aims to strengthen the capacity of One Health professionals across Southeast Asia through training, research and knowledge exchange. Key areas of collaboration include supporting competency-based education programmes for students and in-service professionals, promoting innovative research on priority zoonoses and emerging health threats, and strengthening regional networks through scientific events and the Southeast Asia One Health Workforce Academies platform. By engaging in joint efforts in capacity development, technical cooperation and knowledge sharing, the partnership contributes to stronger multi-sectoral coordination, enhanced preparedness to manage transboundary health risks, and more resilient agrifood systems in the region.

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2026

COUNTRY: Asia-Pacific

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange, Technical cooperation and expertise

In November 2022, FAO and Shanghai Ocean University (SHOU) formalized their collaborative efforts by signing a Memorandum of Understanding in support to ecological and sustainable aquaculture practices. This partnership is poised to drive transformative impacts on a global scale, focusing on sustainable aquaculture approaches that enhance ecosystems, reduce carbon intensity in food production, and bolster resilience to the impacts of climate change. Emphasizing the contribution of aquaculture to sustainable agrifood systems and integration with various sectors, the collaboration underscores key areas such as aquaculture performance, minimizing environmental impact, promoting livelihoods, gender empowerment, data collection and analysis, and fostering South-South and triangular Cooperation. Scientific and technological knowledge product development and information sharing are integral components.

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2022

COUNTRY: China

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange

FAO and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration in key areas of mutual interest, including innovation in agrifood systems, animal health, forest and landscape restoration, and agroecology for food systems transformation. Leveraging SLU’s expertise and FAO’s global mandate, the partnership aims to co-create knowledge, develop capacities, and foster science-based solutions for sustainable agriculture and natural resource management, addressing pressing global challenges such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), climate change, and food security. This collaboration supports the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and advances several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDGs 2, 3, and 15.

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2024

COUNTRY: Sweden

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange

The collaboration between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Tajik Agrarian University named Shirinsho Shotemur (TAU) aims to strengthen agricultural innovation, education, and sustainable development in Tajikistan. This partnership focuses on enhancing plant and animal production, promoting food safety and quality, and advancing sustainable natural resource and forest management. It also supports the One Health approach and the prevention of antimicrobial resistance, while fostering knowledge exchange and capacity development in areas such as water management, mechanization, and biodiversity conservation

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2024

COUNTRY: Tajikistan

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Crop and water management, Food safety, Food security, Forest management, Improved mechanization, Natural resources management, One Health

FAO and CIMMYT entered into partnership to strengthen efforts to build a resilient food system grounded in diverse, nutritious, and climate-adapted crops grown in healthy, fertile soils. The collaboration will specifically advance the global Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) initiative by leveraging their respective capabilities to lead efforts to coordinate, grow and strengthen the VACS movement across a wide range of public and private stakeholders. 

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2024