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Applications to the Call may be submitted via this form by 17 June 2026.

BioAgora invites experts to participate in the response to an urgent European Commission (EC) knowledge request on investigating how biosecurity measures address Invasive Alien Species (IAS) across policy sectors. Specifically, the Directorate-General for Environment (DG ENV) calls for the identification of gaps, overlaps and cascade effects between governance domains in this context.

This request builds on the EU’s IAS Regulation (No. 1143/2014) and known effective IAS mitigation measures (including activities in sectors such as maritime/terrestrial transport and aquaculture), while aligning with other EU instruments (e.g. the Water Framework Directive, the Habitats and Birds Directives, the Common Fisheries Policy and the European Green Deal's Zero Pollution Action Plan). It is also grounded in the European Alien Species Information Network (EASIN) as well as the European Environment Agency (EEA) reporting platforms supporting detection, eradication and management of established IAS. 

As stipulated by the terms of the Call, a balanced group is sought whose professional focus is on IAS within terrestrial, marine and inland water domains as well as EU environmental/biodiversity law and policy. Additionally, experts in the following disciplines and lines of inquiry are welcomed:

  • invasion ecology

  • marine biology

  • freshwater ecology

  • forestry

  • horticulture

  • vertebrate and insect ecology

  • applied ecology

  • biosecurity

  • global change

  • geoscience

  • social-ecological systems

  • social and human science investigating biodiversity security and IAS topics


Beyond the domain of research, the following actor types also fall within the scope of the Call to ensure a diverse, multi-stakeholder perspective:

  • policy-makers from the EC, the EEA and national/local authorities

  • industry actors (e.g. from transport, aqua-, agri- and horticulture)

  • members of relevant networks (e.g. EASIN)

  • practitioners whose activities relate to IAS

  • associates of civil society organisations, including NGOs engaged in IAS monitoring


As outlined above, the selected experts will identify potential gaps, overlaps and cascade effects between sectors and domains (specific policies related to sectoral portfolios of issues and activities) as those pertain to biosecurity measures against IAS. After mapping the broader landscape, experts will be able to determine the focus of the requested report in relation to specific realms (i.e. terrestrial/aquatic), success stories, challenges, economic impacts, etc. (all in coordination with the Commission).

The expected commitment is set to run between June and December 2026 and includes participation in online sessions for knowledge mapping and synthesis, as well as providing feedback on a final knowledge overview report. Experts are expected to contribute approximately 10–20% of their time during this period. Those interested in contributing are invited to apply via the following form by 17 June 2026. Questions or requests for clarification may be directed by email (requests@bioagora.eu).