The inaugural cascade funding call of the BioAgora project, titled “Science-Policy-Society Interface (SPSI) Capacity Development Initiatives,” represents a pivotal step forward in the enhancement of interdisciplinary collaboration between biodiversity research and governance frameworks. Launched on November 26, 2024, and concluding on January 27, 2025, this funding opportunity sought innovative proposals addressing the complex challenges at the nexus of science, policy-making, and societal engagement. By targeting transnational consortia, the call fostered collaborative approaches designed to amplify capacities across environmental and social sciences, underscoring the need for integrative methods to tackle biodiversity crises on a global scale.
The fundamental objective of the SPSI capacity development call was to facilitate the creation of novel tools and frameworks that can bridge existing gaps between scientific knowledge production and policy implementation. In recent years, it has become increasingly evident that biodiversity conservation mandates require not only robust scientific evidence but also the effective translation of this evidence into actionable policies that resonate with societal values and governance mechanisms. Thus, this call aimed to support projects capable of enhancing participatory processes and co-creation methodologies that engage stakeholders ranging from researchers and policymakers to broader civil society groups.
During the two-month evaluation phase, the initiative received twenty-one proposals characterized by a rich diversity in both geographic reach and conceptual innovation. The submissions collectively demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of the SPSI and showcased cutting-edge approaches to fostering science-policy-society synergies. The breadth of applications highlighted the global relevance of enhancing interface capacities, ranging from localized grassroots initiatives to broader European-scale collaborative networks. This diversity not only underscores the universal challenges facing biodiversity governance but also reflects the growing recognition that localized knowledge systems must inform higher-level decision-making.
The assessment process was rigorous and methodical, involving scrutiny by three independent experts coupled with oversight from BioAgora’s dedicated Evaluation Committee. This dual-layered review ensured that proposals were evaluated against stringent criteria encompassing scientific merit, feasibility, innovation potential, and impact on SPSI dynamics. The committee’s stringent evaluation culminated in the selection of two exemplary projects deemed most capable of advancing SPSI capacities through innovative mechanisms and stakeholder engagement strategies.
The first awarded project, titled “BRIDGING MINDS: Learning and Gamification for Biodiversity Science-Policy-Society Interfaces,” is coordinated by Sašo Gorjanc and led by ACTeon SARL. This initiative embodies a novel fusion of participatory democracy methodologies with gamification principles, intending to invigorate stakeholder engagement within the biodiversity governance landscape. By leveraging socio-psychological insights and interactive science communication tools, BRIDGING MINDS seeks to create immersive learning environments aimed at the EU’s boundary-spanning actors. This approach is especially innovative in its application of gamified frameworks to catalyze knowledge exchange and foster collaborative problem-solving at the intersection of science and policy.
Complementing BRIDGING MINDS, the second winning proposal is the “CESPSIP Central-European SPSI Platform,” coordinated by Jan Skalík under the auspices of Hnutí DUHA – Friends of the Earth Czech Republic. This project’s strategic focus centers on reinforcing science-society collaboration specifically aligned with the European Union’s Biodiversity Strategy 2030 (BDS2030). CESPSIP proposes an integrative, multiscalar approach, amalgamating workshops and digital co-creation platforms to forge dynamic and adaptable SPSI structures. Through these mechanisms, the project aspires to facilitate the active participation of diverse stakeholders within Central Europe, promoting a comprehensive and inclusive pathway toward effective biodiversity governance.
Central to these projects is the recognition that advancing the science-policy-society interface demands innovative approaches that transcend traditional disciplinary silos. Both initiatives emphasize co-design and co-production of knowledge, aligning scientific outputs with societal needs and governance priorities. This alignment acknowledges the necessity for science to not only inform policy but to evolve through iterative engagement with social actors, enhancing legitimacy and practical applicability of biodiversity interventions. Consequently, these projects represent a vital progression towards more democratic and reflexive forms of environmental governance.
The BioAgora cascade funding call’s emphasis on capacity building is particularly prescient given the ongoing global biodiversity crisis. Scientists and policymakers alike confront persistent challenges in translating complex ecological data and models into actionable strategies that acknowledge socio-political dimensions. The funded initiatives are positioned to address these challenges by fostering creativity in communication and participatory design, thereby enhancing the relevance and accessibility of biodiversity science. This capacity building resonates with broader international commitments, including the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, underpinning the imperative for synergistic SPSI development.
Moreover, the incorporation of digital technologies and innovative facilitation methods—such as gamification and adaptive digital platforms—in the winning projects reflects a forward-thinking orientation. These technologies not only increase engagement and outreach capabilities but also offer mechanisms for continuous feedback and learning. This dynamic interaction is crucial for adapting governance strategies to rapidly evolving environmental scenarios and emergent socio-political contexts, ensuring that SPSI development remains aligned with contemporary realities.
As these projects enter the implementation phase, monitoring and evaluation will be critical to assess their efficacy in strengthening science-policy-society linkages. The outcomes of these initiatives could provide vital insights and best practices for future SPSI capacity development efforts globally. These insights hold the potential to inform funding agencies, policymakers, and scientific communities about successful models of interdisciplinary collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and innovative governance frameworks geared toward biodiversity conservation.
In the broader landscape of environmental governance, BioAgora’s funding call and its selected projects exemplify a strategic investment in the human and institutional dimensions of sustainability transformation. Recognition of the multifaceted nature of environmental challenges necessitates capacity development initiatives that cultivate reflexivity, inclusiveness, and innovation. By operationalizing these principles, the BioAgora project contributes substantively to a more coherent and impactful science-policy-society interface, essential for achieving ambitious biodiversity and sustainability targets.
Future reports and analyses will detail the progress and impacts of the BRIDGING MINDS and CESPSIP projects, contributing to the growing literature on interface capacity development. As these projects unfold, they offer a compelling case study on how targeted financial support, combined with stringent evaluation and cross-sectoral collaboration, can catalyze transformative change within biodiversity governance ecosystems. Stakeholders and interested observers are encouraged to follow BioAgora’s dissemination channels for ongoing updates and insights.
For more detailed information about BioAgora’s financial support mechanisms for third parties and project-specific developments, the official BioAgora website provides comprehensive resources and updates. This transparency and openness further demonstrate the project’s commitment to fostering widespread engagement and knowledge exchange within the biodiversity SPSI community.
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Web References: https://bioagora.eu/news/funding-call-announcement-strengthening-capacity-across-science-policy-society-interface
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Image Credits: Pensoft Publishers
Keywords: Science policy, Science-Policy-Society Interface, biodiversity governance, capacity building, participatory democracy, gamification, co-creation, biodiversity strategy 2030, environmental governance
