European Commission launches €230m biodiversity research call

The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD) has launched a €230 million Horizon Europe call dedicated to nature and biodiversity research. This initiative is part of the Commission’s broader priorities regarding food security, water, nature, and sustainable prosperity.

The funding, which falls under Pillar II of the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2026-2027, covers ten specific research topics. Key areas of investigation include the impact of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on ecosystems, the biodiversity implications of clean and digital industries, and the drivers behind the decline of invertebrates.

Additionally, the program emphasizes ecosystem restoration through the support of ‘living labs’ designed to co-create solutions and address implementation barriers. Other priorities include combating wildlife trafficking, managing invasive alien species, and developing more cost-effective methods for measuring biodiversity.