The second BioAgora cascade funding call was launched in May 2025, with its primary focus being on the development of a robust methodological infrastructure for the future Science Service for Biodiversity (SSBD). Applications were welcomed with a strong emphasis on cooperation across disciplinary divides in support of the science-policy-society interface (SPSI).
Following a comprehensive evaluation process, the project Methods for Nature (M4Nature) was selected as the winning proposal, with its official launch set for January 2026. This new initiative aims to “co-design, test and validate a framework and best-practice guidance into an interactive user application (M4Nature) for determining best Knowledge Synthesis Methods (KSMs)”. In turn, this is meant to pave the way towards greater efficiency in addressing SPSI environmental requests and their respective spatial, temporal and thematic priorities.
The consortium behind M4Nature involves partners from Northumbria University, Stirling University, the Kassel Institute for Sustainability, Bonn University’s Center for Development Research, University of Aveiro and BOKU University. Their work will be guided by the following priorities:
- providing robust guidance on efficient KSMs to address SPSI requests (including the integration of AI)
- using a deliberative Delphi method to co-design, test and validate a KSM guidance framework
- consolidating a strong interdisciplinary team with methods expertise that builds on the work of the Eklipse Methods Expert Group
- creating an interactive tool to guide users in the selection of best methods to answer policy requests
The work will be supported by a dedicated Methods Knowledge Exchange Network that harnesses the expertise of scientists and practitioners in a community of practice supporting the growth of the SSBD. Currently, there is a call for participants working at the science-policy interface for biodiversity to join the network and an additional Delphi panel.
More updates on M4Nature’s launch and implementation will follow in due course. In the meantime, further information about BioAgora’s funding opportunities for third parties can be found here.