The first BioAgora Cascade Funding Call concludes with two winning proposals

06 May 2025 / Press

The contents of this article were also published in the form of a press release on EurekAlert! and AlphaGalileo.

Between 26 November 2024 and 27 January 2025, BioAgora launched its first cascade funding call, titled “Science-Policy-Society Interface (SPSI) Capacity Development Initiatives”. The aim was to bring experts, decision-makers and citizens closer to the tools and capacities needed for a coordinated response to pressing biodiversity challenges at a transnational scale. A key requirement for applicants was to form entities or consortia based on cross-border collaboration within Europe. Research initiatives from both social and environmental disciplines were welcomed under this call. 

During the two months the call was open, 21 proposals were submitted, representing a wide geographical spread. Researchers from Central, Southern, Eastern and Northern Europe alike took part, resulting in a strong and diverse pool of applications. The submissions reflected both high quality and a broad, nuanced understanding of SPSI activities. 

Following the closing date, all proposals underwent an assessment by three independent experts and BioAgora’s Evaluation Committee. Ultimately, two proposals distinguished themselves through their high standards of excellence, implementation and impact - all fully aligned with the objectives of the call. Moreover, the distinct approaches they will pursue are expected to complement one another and further strengthen BioAgora’s capacity-building efforts. 

Below, a brief overview of the two selected proposals: 

  • BRIDGING MINDS: Learning and gamification for biodiversity science-policy-society interfaces 

Coordinator: Sašo Gorjanc 

Leading institution: ACTeon SARL 

This project is designed to enhance engagement through participatory democracy methods, gamification and science communication, specifically targeting boundary spanners at the EU level. The proposal places an emphasis on innovation in gamification and the socio‐psychological aspects of the SPSI. The team behind it demonstrates substantial expertise in non‐conventional learning and gamification, along with SPSI experience in both marine and terrestrial contexts. 

  • CESPSIP Central-European SPSI Platform 

Coordinator: Jan Skalík 

Leading institution: Hnutí DUHA - Friends of the Earth Czech Republic 

The aim of the project is to strengthen science-society collaboration on BDS2030 policies. The proposal’s strengths are found in its integrative approach and detailed, concrete roadmap to build an effective SPSI. It will engage a diverse array of stakeholders, scientific disciplines, NGOs, and policy-makers, employing innovative co‐creation practices through workshops and digital platforms that are adaptable at regional and European scales. 

Additional coverage on the implementation and outcomes of the winning proposals will be shared in due course. Information about BioAgora’s financial support for third parties can be found here.