The SSBD will better link scientific and non-scientific knowledge with policymaking and implementation, respond more effectively to the current scattered landscape of actors and knowledge holders at the SPSI, and identify future knowledge and policy needs. By creating an inclusive platform where diverse actors can contribute to biodiversity conservation efforts, the SSBD will fully support the ecological transition required by the European Green Deal and the European Union’s (EU) Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 (BDS2030).

BioAgora is launching a new funding call for the development within the SSBD of a dedicated Methods Expert Group on Advancing Science Policy Interface, which will provide strategic and operational guidance on identifying, selecting, and applying appropriate knowledge synthesis and overview methodologies in response to policy-relevant questions at the SPSI. The selected proposal is expected to assess and propose a robust methodological framework that can underpin all SSBD processes, including a mobilisation strategy to engage a broad expert community around methodological development and implementation. This includes establishing a network of experts to foster knowledge exchange on methods applied in science-policy interfaces and biodiversity governance. The project should produce a clear overview of available methods and propose practical guidelines for their use in different contexts from in-depth, long-term assessments to time sensitive, short-term requests. A central task will be to directly support all ongoing urgent request processes during the funding period, offering hands-on methodological advice and enabling real-time testing and refinement of the proposed approach.

Through this call, BioAgora aims to ensure methodological rigor, transparency, and adaptability across SSBD activities, ultimately strengthening the service’s capacity to deliver robust and relevant knowledge for EU 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.