Novel ecosystems: socio-ecological consequences and future trajectories (BiodivFuture)
Novel ecosystems: socio-ecological consequences and future trajectories (BiodivFuture) supports research teams studying ecosystem change to inform management, policy and fair sharing of biodiversity benefits.
Funder: Austrian Science Fund (FWF)
Due Dates: November 10, 2026 (Secretariat pre-proposal) | November 11, 2026 (FWF pre-proposal) | April 16, 2027 (Secretariat full proposal) | April 19, 2027 (FWF full proposal)
Funding Amounts: Up to €450,000 per FWF principal investigator; three-year projects; typical consortium budget €1.2–1.5 million
Summary: Supports transnational research on novel ecosystems, their biodiversity and socio-ecological dynamics, and pathways toward resilient, equitable futures.
Key Information: Both stages require submission to the Call Secretariat and FWF, with institutional approval before FWF deadlines.
Description
BiodivFuture is the sixth joint call of Biodiversa+, the European Biodiversity Partnership, with Austrian participation supported by FWF. It funds future-looking research and innovation on novel ecosystems: ecological communities shaped by human influence that exhibit new, self-organising qualities and may not revert to historical conditions. Research can cover terrestrial, freshwater, marine and coastal ecosystems anywhere in the world, provided findings have broad European and/or global relevance.
The call seeks excellent transnational research with societal and policy impact, advancing understanding of ecosystem change and informing practical management and policy strategies. Projects may address one or more themes: novel ecosystem functioning and biodiversity gains; pathways through uncertainty and asynchronous ecological and societal change; and fair sharing of biodiversity benefits through inclusive, collaborative, nature-positive transformation. Fundamental and applied research are welcome, with interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches strongly encouraged.
