image: Conclusion of the first cascade funding call of the BioAgora project "Science-Policy-Society Interface (SPSI) Capacity Development Initiatives"
Credit: Pensoft Publishers
The first BioAgora cascade funding call, “Science-Policy-Society Interface (SPSI) Capacity Development Initiatives”, took place between 26 November 2024 and 27 January 2025. Its main aim was the development of new tools and capacities at the intersection between biodiversity research and governance. The call was tailored to transnational consortia collaborating to enhance knowledge and expertise in social science or environmental science.
The two-month period saw:
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21 submitted proposals
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a wide geographical range of applications
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a high-quality compilation of SPSI development concepts
Assessments of the submissions were carried out by three independent experts and BioAgora’s Evaluation Committee. Based on a strict selection procedure, the two most distinguished proposals were picked as winners of the funding call.
1. 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. Targeting boundary spanners at the EU level, BRIDGING MINDS places an emphasis on innovation in gamification and the socio‐psychological aspects of the SPSI.
2. 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 via an integrative approach and a detailed, concrete roadmap to build an effective SPSI. It will engage a diverse array of stakeholders with innovative co‐creation practices through workshops and digital platforms that are adaptable at regional and European scales.
With the newly approved proposals preparing for the achievement of their ambitious goals, additional coverage on the implementation and outcomes of the winning proposals will be shared in due course. You can also find out more about BioAgora’s financial support for third parties here.