Bridging Minds is coordinated by ACTeon (Social sciences to the service of environmental policies), Produções Fixe (specialists in gamified education), and the Global Nature Fund (freshwater/terrestrial conservation leaders), with funding from the BioAgora project, an EU initiative supporting science-policy-society collaboration for biodiversity. Together, they’re turning research into actionable tools for Europe’s conservation community.
In the complex world of biodiversity conservation, studies demonstrate that robust scientific data is a necessary but not sufficient condition for the effective implementation of policies and actions. The Bridging Minds project is an innovative initiative designed to address the socio-psychological factors that shape interactions between science, policy and society. By empowering "boundary spanners" - experts, policy-makers, and societal actors - this project aims to enhance collaboration, improve decision-making and foster inclusive engagement in biodiversity science-policy-society interfaces (SPSIs).
Why Bridging Minds?
Despite Europe’s robust scientific expertise and ambitious biodiversity policies, the implementation of these policies remains fragmented and ineffective. Challenges such as power dynamics, divergent interpretations of data and socio-psychological biases often hinder progress. The Bridging Minds project seeks to tackle these issues by providing engaging training programs that combine online learning, interactive webinars and a serious board game to make hidden biases explicit and actionable.
Project Steps: From Insight to Action
1. Co-Design with Stakeholders (Living Lab)
The project begins with the establishment of a Living Lab, a collaborative space where key European biodiversity actors - including institutions like the European Environment Agency and JRC Knowledge Centre on Biodiversity - come together to identify needs, gaps and opportunities for training. This co-creation process ensures that the project’s outputs are tailored to real-world challenges faced by boundary spanners.
2. Webinar Series (November 2025 – January 2026)
The first phase of the project features five interactive webinars, each focusing on a critical aspect of biodiversity SPSIs:
- Webinar 1: Getting from Knowledge to Policy and Back - Nov 20, 2025
- Webinar 2: How Do People Think and Why It Matters? (Psychology elements) - Nov 27, 2025
- Webinar 3: How Do People Think and Why It Matters? (Sociology elements) - Dec 11, 2025
- Webinar 4: Power Shaping Interactions: What to Keep an Eye Out For? - Dec 18, 2025
- Webinar 5: The Art of Managing a Meeting - Jan 15, 2026
3. Online training development (summer 2026)
Building on the webinars, the project will launch a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). This platform will host all training materials, including webinar recordings, expert insights and resources for self-paced learning. The online training ensures that the knowledge and tools developed remain accessible long after the project concludes.
4. Innovative interactive game
A serious board game will be developed to bring socio-psychological biases to life in a playful, immersive way. Designed for in-person trainings, the game will help participants recognise hidden assumptions, challenge divergent interpretations and co-create action plans - all while fostering collaboration and critical thinking.
Outcomes: What Will Change?
By participating in Bridging Minds, boundary spanners will:
✅ enhance collaboration by understanding the socio-psychological dynamics at play;
✅ improve decision-making by addressing divergent interpretations of data and policies;
✅ foster inclusive engagement through innovative, gamified learning experiences;
✅ leave a lasting legacy by helping us create fit for purpose materials that continue to inspire and educate beyond the project.
How to Participate?
Join the movement!
Whether you’re a scientist, policy-maker or societal actor, you can be part of Bridging Minds by:
- registering for the webinars (Registration Link)
- joining our Living Lab (contact us)
- or keep your eyes peeled for in-person trainings to be conducted next year
Coming soon :
- Interactive game (Spring 2026)
- Online training (Summer 2026)
You can find out more about Bridging Minds in the official project flyer.