The call for proposals for NRP 82 “Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services” is now open

Interested project teams can now submit their preparatory phase proposals until 29 February 2024.

The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) has launched a call for the National Research Programme "Promoting Biodiversity and Sustainable Ecosystem Services for Switzerland" (NRP 82) based on its mandate from the Federal Council.

The programme aims at providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing, and opportunities offered by, biodiversity and ecosystem services, and at developing practical solutions for their conservation and sustainable use. Project consortia consisting of researchers and societal actors from policy and practice (e.g. non-profit public organisations, NGOs) are invited to submit proposals that are in line with the programme’s objectives. Stakeholder involvement is emphasised in this programme and projects are expected to use a transdisciplinary approach engaging with relevant actors from civil society as well as the private and public sectors.

The programme comprises three research modules:

  • Module 1: Drivers and Trends - Investigates the drivers and trends of biodiversity change and how to safeguard biodiversity and ecosystem services, focusing on establishing knowledge related to the direct use and management of ecosystems.
  • Module 2: Valuation and Visions - Examines valuation perspectives on biodiversity and ecosystem services, including economic, social, and cultural aspects, and addresses goals and visions for the future.
  • Module 3: Governance and Transformation - Explores governance options and pathways promoting biodiversity and ecosystem services, with a focus on transformative change.

NRP 82 will operate with overall funding of 15.5 million francs for a research duration of 5 years.

Projects will be selected in a two-stage process. The programme starts with a preparatory phase, for which proposals can be submitted on the mySNF platform until 29 February 2024. Successful applicants will be provided with a preparatory grant for preparing full proposals for a four-year research phase, to be submitted by 6 February 2025. The research phase will start in the second half of 2025.

Detailed information on the participation requirements as well as the submission and selection procedures are available in the call document. An information webinar about the call will take place on 8 January 2024 at 14:00 CET. Registration is possible until 5 January 2024 at noon.

For information: The SNSF also supports Biodiversity research in the context of the European partnership Biodiversa+. Additional information is available on the SNSF website.