Those interested in attending the event are welcome to apply via this form. As numbers are limited, registrants will be advised whether they have been selected to attend (subject to the criteria outlined below) by August 31.
Between 29 and 30 September 2026, BioAgora will convene its third Science-Policy Interface Dialogue Workshop in Brussels, Belgium, seizing the occasion to officially launch the Knowledge Exchange Network on Agro-ecosystems. The event complements the project's efforts to build a Science Service for Biodiversity (SSBD) in support of the European Commission's Knowledge Centre for Biodiversity (KCBD). The SSBD itself is meant to operate through Knowledge Exchange Networks (KENs), which in turn provide a shared knowledge base, scientific evidence and a forum for dialogue in support of implementing EU policies. The aforementioned KEN on Agro-ecosystems specifically will bring knowledge holders together in support of EU governance of agro-ecosystems (e.g. the Common Agriculture Policy and the Nature Restoration Regulation as it pertains to agriculture and the EU’s soil strategy). This vision reflects an aspiration to ensure food security without compromising the environment at a time when the global food system is considered the primary driver of the biodiversity crisis.
The two-day kick-off will see participants working together to shape the new Network’s structure and outlook in preparation for a long-lasting collaboration in addressing knowledge requests from the European Commission. A strong emphasis will be placed on impartial facilitation, creating a safe space for open exchange and ensuring active engagement from all participants. This is meant to enable the establishment of long-lasting bridges between science, policy and society.
Who is invited?
- European scientific projects (Horizon, LIFE, Interreg, Agro-Ecology Partnership, Biodiversa and others) (maximum 1 representative per project, 2 if a place is available)
- Other European knowledge networks on agro-ecosystems (maximum 1 representative per network, 2 if a place is available)
- European and national policy-makers (maximum 1 representative per Member State, 2 if a place is available)
- Relevant actors operating at European level in the field of agro-ecosystems
The full agenda can be accessed here - those interested in attending the workshop are invited to fill out this form. Please note limited financial support for travel and accommodation is available for up to 5 participants through the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA). Priority in this regard will be given solely to participants from European civil society organisations for whom attendance would otherwise be impossible and whose role is particularly relevant to the Agro-ecosystems KEN. As numbers are limited, you will be advised whether you have been selected to attend (subject to the criteria outlined above) by August 31.