BioAgora has launched a cascade funding call to support the development of a robust methodological infrastructure for the future Science Service for Biodiversity. The call invites experts to identify a diverse range of methods and approaches at the science-policy-society interface to create an evidence-based framework supporting biodiversity policy.

Proposals shall:

• Assess and recommend methods suitable for different types of policy-relevant SPSI processes
• Create a methodological guide or catalogue for use by the SSBD
• Develop a Knowledge Exchange Network on Methods
• Support ongoing urgent request processes during the grant period
• Provide advice to expert groups, engage with the EC, and test methods in real cases
• Integrate inter- and transdisciplinary approaches and consider the use of AI-based tools

Proposals should demonstrate strong interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration and bring together method experts, knowledge holders, and actors from across Europe involved in biodiversity policy support. Special attention should be paid to inclusiveness and innovative combinations of methods and tools.

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following categories:

• Excellence: Methodological quality, innovation, interdisciplinarity, and relevance for the SSBD
• Implementation: Coherence of work plan, team expertise, and resource planning
• Impact: Contribution to SSBD, sustainability, potential uptake by key actors

See the full evaluation criteria in the Guidelines for Applicants.

The call announcement is published on the EU’s Funding & Tender Portal. Instructions on how to find the Call for grant: Find a call > IT How To > Funding Tenders Opportunities. Applications shall only be submitted by the main applicant (coordinator, as applicable) by filling out this online application form and uploading the respective documents.

Deadline to apply: 31^st August 2025 at 20:00 CEST (Brussels time)

Who can apply?

The call is open to legal entities or consortia of legal entities eligible under Horizon Europe rules.

Please note that BioAgora consortium members and entities subject to EU sanctions are not eligible to apply or participate. 

How to apply?

Applicants must use the following documents and adhere to all eligibility and submission instructions:

• Annex 1 - Guidelines for applicants
• Annex 2 - Application form (template)
• Annex 3 - Declaration of honour (template) to be signed by authorised representatives of each party participating in an application
• Annex 4 - Legal entity form (template) to be completed by all consortium partners (signed by authorised representatives)
• Annex 5 - Letter(s) of commitment (template) from consortium partners (signed by authorised representatives)
• Annex 6 - Beneficiary’s Bank account information form (template) for the lead applicant (only needs to be completed by successful applicants)
• Annex 7 - Sub-grant agreement (template) that the successful applicants will be requested to sign
• Annex 8 - List of examples of requests received so far by BioAgora

Available Funding:

EUR 165,000 (50% prefinancing after signature of the Sub-grant Agreement, 50% after acceptance of the final report). Co-funding with own or new project resources is also possible.

Questions regarding the criteria, rules and procedures of the call can be sent to the following address: calls@bioagora.eu. Before submitting a question, please consult the FAQs provided below.

General Eligibility & Participation

Q1: Is it eligible to form a consortium with an NGO whose field is related to BioAgora?

A1: Yes, it is eligible to form a consortium with an NGO, provided that the NGO meets the Horizon Europe eligibility criteria and is not already part of the BioAgora consortium.

Q2: Would a project involving stakeholders from only one country be eligible for the BioAgora Open Call?

A2: The call prioritizes transdisciplinary collaboration across Europe. Projects with participants from multiple European countries are generally more aligned with the call's objectives, as they foster broader collaboration and impact. To enhance competitiveness, we recommend incorporating additional European partners.

Financial Information

Q1: What is the reimbursement schedule for the Open Call?

A1: The reimbursement schedule is as follows: 50% upon the entry into force of the grant agreement and 50% after the approval of the final report.

Q2: Are SMEs funded at 100% of costs incurred, and how should overheads be calculated?

A2: SMEs participating in the open call are funded at 100% of the costs incurred, in line with the Horizon Europe rule of a single funding rate for all partners. For calculating overheads, you should follow the Horizon Europe formula: 25% of the direct personnel costs and purchase costs. Please note that subcontracting costs are not included in the overhead cost calculation.

Submission Process & Reporting

Q1: Where do I have to upload the application documents?

A1: Please fill out the online application form and upload your documents at the end of the form.

Q2: What are the reporting requirements for the Open Call?

A2: Two reports are required: an interim report covering the first half of the implementation period and a final report covering the entire implementation period.

Q3: Does the list of references at the end of the application for the Open Call count towards the total word limit?

A3: No, the reference list at the end of the application is not included in the total word limit. You are welcome to include the necessary academic references without concern for exceeding the word count.

• 27th May 2025: Announcement and official launch of the call
• 31st August 2025 at 20:00 CEST (Brussels time): Deadline for submitting the proposal
• September 2025: Eligibility check by the call secretariat
• September/October 2025: Evaluation of proposals
• October 2025: Recommendation for funding projects published & applicants informed
• 1st December 2025: Earliest possible start date of funded projects
• Halfway point of the project: Interim report submitted
• 31st December 2026: Latest end date
• Three months after project's end: Final report submitted