[European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en)

September 17, 2026

~€6,500,000 per project; total call budget €13,000,000; typically 2 projects funded

Supports multidisciplinary research into insect decline, its drivers, and mitigation strategies to inform biodiversity policy and ecosystem restoration.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity from the European Commission under Horizon Europe aims to advance scientific understanding of insect diversity, population trends, and the underlying causes of their decline. The grant encourages multidisciplinary research, including genomics and integrative taxonomy, particularly focusing on lesser-known insect groups beyond pollinators. Projects should assess the ecological and socioeconomic roles of insects, quantify the effects of their decline, and develop evidence-based strategies for mitigation and restoration. The grant emphasizes the production of FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Re-usable) data, collaboration with European research infrastructures, and engagement with the EC Knowledge Centre for Biodiversity. International cooperation is encouraged, and project outcomes should support policy, land management, and public awareness to reverse insect decline and bolster biodiversity. --- ## Due Dates - September 17, 2026: Full application submission deadline (17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Indicative budget for the topic: €13,000,000 - Expected EU contribution per project: ~€6,500,000 - Number of projects funded: typically 2 --- ## Eligibility - Open to legal entities from EU Member States and Associated Countries as described in [Annex B of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf). - Some non-EU/non-Associated Countries may participate with their own funding provisions. See the [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf). - Proposals must be submitted by a consortium (usually at least three independent legal entities from different eligible countries). - Proposals must adhere to financial and operational capacity requirements outlined in [Annex C](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf). --- ## Application Process - Single-stage application process. - Submission opens: April 17, 2026. - Submission deadline: September 17, 2026, 17:00 Brussels time. - Applications must be submitted via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-01?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=6&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - Follow the [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) for detailed instructions. - Use the [standard application form (HE RIA, IA)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-ria-ia_en.pdf). --- ## Additional Information - Projects should focus on insect groups beyond pollinators (as pollinator research is already well covered). - Integrative taxonomy and multidisciplinary approaches (including ecology, ecotoxicology, genomics) are encouraged. - Long-term monitoring schemes and collaboration with existing biodiversity monitoring initiatives are expected. - Data management must ensure FAIR principles and consider European Open Science Cloud and relevant research infrastructures. - Close cooperation with the EC Knowledge Centre for Biodiversity is required. - International cooperation is welcomed. --- ## External Links - [Call Details and Application Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-01?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=6&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) - [General Annexes (Eligibility, Evaluation, etc.)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf) - [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [Partner Search](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/how-to-participate/partner-search?order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=lastModified&isExactMatch=true&type=ORGANISATION,PERSON&frameworkProgramme=43108390) --- ## Contact Information | Resource | Link/Details | |----------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | European Commission Contact | [Contact Form](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Research Enquiry Service | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | National Contact Points (NCPs) | [Find your NCP](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | | IT Helpdesk | [IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | Phone (European Commission) | +32 2 299 11 11 |

Understanding and tackling the decline of insects - European Commission

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