The Horizon Europe 2026 Work Programme highlights the growing importance of a strong and structured close cooperation with the EC Knowledge Centre for Biodiversity (KCBD) and its Science Service and with other projects that work on understanding drivers of biodiversity decline.
As part of Europe’s efforts to reinforce the science–policy interface and support evidence-informed decision-making, the Work Programme recognises the need for coordinated, transparent and policy-responsive mechanisms that can effectively translate scientific knowledge into actionable insights for biodiversity policy. In this context, the Science Service for Biodiversity currently developed under BioAgora is positioned as a key element in supporting the implementation of major EU initiatives, including the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the Nature Restoration Regulation.
A strengthened science-policy interface
The 2026 Work Programme emphasises the importance of:
- Bridging the gap between science and policy, ensuring that decision-makers have access to timely, relevant and credible knowledge
- Responding to policy needs through structured request mechanisms, enabling targeted scientific input where it is most needed
- Fostering collaboration across disciplines and sectors, bringing together researchers, policymakers and practitioners
- Supporting the uptake of research results, ensuring that knowledge generated through EU-funded projects informs real-world decisions
- Opportunities for engagement.
The Work Programme also opens new opportunities for researchers and organisations to engage with and contribute to the Science Service for Biodiversity. With the processes currently developed and implemented by BioAgora, here's how you can engage:
- Participate in Knowledge Exchange Networks (KENs) that connect expertise across thematic areas
- Contribute to policy-relevant knowledge requests, providing evidence and insights to support EU policymaking
- Engage in dialogues, workshops and collaborative activities that strengthen the science–policy interface
- Support the development of evidence-based tools, methodologies and recommendations.
Why it matters
As biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation continue to pose significant challenges, the need for accessible, high-quality and policy-relevant knowledge has never been greater. The Science Service for Biodiversity plays a crucial role in ensuring that scientific evidence is not only generated, but also effectively communicated and used in decision-making processes.
By strengthening collaboration and enabling more direct interaction between knowledge providers and policy actors, the Science Service contributes to a more responsive, inclusive and impactful biodiversity policy landscape in Europe.
Access the Work Programme (Cluster 6) here.