Applications may be submitted via this form by 21 October 2026.
The Science Service for Biodiversity (SSBD), currently under development by BioAgora, has received an urgent European Commission request to investigate the correlation and interlinkages between biological and cultural diversity and the associated knowledge gaps. In response, the project has now launched a Call for Experts, specifically targeting the following groups singled out by the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD):
- experts in participatory processes and engagement methods
- researchers of agrobiodiversity, transformative change, anthropology, ethnology, indigenous/local knowledge, pastoralism and conservation
- social scientists
- agrarian/rural sociologists
- public policy analysis experts
- practitioners
- NGOs/CSOs
- international organisations (i.e. UNESCO, GBIF, the IPBES ILK Task Force, the FAO GIAHS Framework)
- policy actors
Experts are called to identify knowledge gaps so as to contribute to the identification of future research priorities, especially highlighting missing areas in both policy and science as well as the connection between governance and different knowledge systems.
The request thus builds on the desire to develop a biocultural diversity narrative, attempting to provide a workable definition of cultural diversity and identify priority research questions and gaps, rather than pursue definitive answers or policy solutions. Consequently, it will establish an evidence base to inform future research and the next EU R&I Framework Programme's priorities. This is to occur via the development of a synthesis report combining:
- an assessment of key scientific, grey and practice-based evidence on the two-way relationships between cultural practices, cultural diversity and biodiversity
- identification of knowledge gaps, uncertainties, contested issues and transferable practices, including local, Indigenous and traditional knowledge
- outcomes of a transdisciplinary expert workshop bringing researchers, knowledge holders, policy-makers and societal actors into a dialogue
The foreseen commitment runs from October 2026 to May 2027 and includes participation in online sessions for knowledge mapping and synthesis, as well as providing feedback on the final knowledge overview report. Experts are expected to contribute approximately 10–20% of their time during this period.
Those interested in contributing can apply via this form by 21 October 2026. Questions can be raised at requests@bioagora.eu.