Undernourishment and malnutrition have been among the most serious problems facing the global community for decades. In 2009, over 1 billion people worldwide were suffering from hunger – more than at any time since 1970, when the United Nations began compiling global food statistics. Added to this are several billion people suffering from ‘hidden hunger’, i.e. a deficiency in essential micronutrients such as vitamins or minerals. In view of this pressing issue, the Committee on Education, Research and Technology Assessment commissioned the TAB in October 2008 to carry out the TA project ‘What contribution can research make to solving the global food problem?’, the remit of which can be outlined by the following questions: Where are there particularly significant gaps in knowledge regarding the global food problem? In which research areas can relevant contributions to solutions be expected, such that more intensive support would be appropriate? Where are specific constraints to be overcome, or what new forms of inter- and transdisciplinary research should be developed? The final report provides an overview of the dimensions and influencing factors of the global food problem, a summary of selected research topics in Germany, and an evaluation of a public expert workshop conducted by the TAB as part of the project. The overall review discusses potential research priorities for the future as well as policy options for a development-oriented research policy.