Horizon Europe opens €230 million research call focused on nature and biodiversity
The European Commission launched a new €230 million Horizon Europe research and innovation call focused on nature and biodiversity on October 2, 2026. The funding is part of the Horizon Europe 2026–2027 work programme and covers ten research areas.
The call is intended to increase Horizon Europe spending on biodiversity and support research addressing ecosystems, pollution, nature restoration and biodiversity monitoring.
Researchers will study PFAS and biodiversity
One of the ten topics focuses on understanding the effects of PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Another examines the benefits and potential impacts of clean and digital industries on biodiversity.
The programme also includes research into the causes of invertebrate biodiversity decline and projects developing cost-effective biodiversity monitoring for EU policies.
Funding also covers ecosystem restoration
Other topics include living labs developing solutions for ecosystem restoration, measures against wildlife trafficking and invasive alien species, and interdisciplinary research connecting biodiversity and health under the One Health approach.
The call also covers work to strengthen the Global Ocean Observing System, with a focus on climate resilience, biodiversity conservation and European strategic autonomy.
The European Commission will present the Nature call during an online Horizon Europe information day on October 16. A separate brokerage event intended to help applicants find project partners is scheduled for October 19.
