Biodiversa+: new call opening

The aim of “BiodivConnect”, the new call launched by Biodiversa+, is to foster innovative research that can be integrated into nature restoration practices that promote interconnected and well-functioning ecosystems and habitats. All types of ecosystems and habitats will be considered.

The call supports transnational, interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary and/or cross-sectoral research and innovation. Projects should appeal to diverse scientific communities, including natural, social and technical sciences, humanities and arts, incorporating contributions from the business and finance sectors as needed. Projects submitted to this call should aim to connect science, society, policy and practices for transformative change. They are therefore expected to directly engage with and include stakeholders and citizens at various stages of the process.

The call is arranged into three main topics that partly overlap. Project proposals can address one or more of these main topics.

• Topic 1: Setting restoration targets and measuring success to address the need for coherent and operational restoration targets and measurements of success in terms of ecosystem functioning, integrity and connectivity.
• Topic 2: Transferability and scaling of nature restoration efforts to address the need for a better understanding of the possibilities and methods for meaningful and effective scaling and transferability of nature restoration efforts.
• Topic 3: Resilience and sustainability of restoration efforts to address the need for long-term sustainability of restored species, habitats and ecosystems, including resilience to climate change and other pressures.

Supported by the SNSF

An international panel will scientifically evaluate the pre-proposals and full proposals. With the exception of self-financed partners, all research partners in a consortium will be supported by their own national or regional funding agency. Swiss-based researchers applying for financial support from the SNSF to participate in this call must meet the eligibility requirements for SNSF Project funding. Along with the application to Biodiversa+, they must submit an administrative application to the SNSF by the same submission deadline. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the SNSF Administrative Offices in advance if this will be their first time submitting an application to the SNSF. Further requirements for participation are outlined in the Funding Organisation Rules published on the Biodiversa+ website.

The SNSF submission deadline for pre-proposals is 7 November 2025 (17:00 Swiss local time).