One of the objectives of the BiodivERsA consortium is to produce a comprehensive ‘map’ of the current state of research on biodiversity and associated ecosystem services in Europe in terms of projects, programmes and funding, to improve the identification of existing gaps and future needs for new research programmes, new facilities, as well as detecting potential barriers for successful cooperation. This allowed BiodivERsA to analyse the funding landscape for biodiversity research in Europe (download the booklet from https://www.biodiversa.eu/databases/
). BiodivERsA also analysed the profile of funded research and the possible complementarities of biodiversity research priorities among countries and agencies in Europe (additional booklet to be published in 2014).
In this context, we are pleased to announce that the BiodivERsA database is now accessible online (data.biodiversa.org), holding information about:
- Funding programs and associated calls for research proposals on biodiversity and associated ecosystem services in Europe; this includes thematic programs devoted to biodiversity, thematic programs including biodiversity issues, and blue sky programs where biodiversity research applications are eligible; grants, fellowships and studentships are also referenced. Focus is on competitive funds only, excluding e.g. funding by national institutes of the part of the scientific community they are in charge of, or schemes that fund local research teams only.
- Research projects on biodiversity and associated ecosystem services funded through these programmes
- Research institutes and other organisations (including stakeholders) involved in the projects funded, and researchers leading the projects.
Upon registration and acceptance of the data user agreement, information in the database will be available to anyone interested in biodiversity research funding in Europe.
This database will help scientists to identify potential resources and network opportunities to further develop their research. In addition, it will help at finding scientific expertise for specific policy questions. As such, the BiodivERsA database is a valuable tool for strategic cooperation and expertise in the large, fragmented domain of research on biodiversity and associated ecosystem services.
