CALL FOR REQUEST CfR.5/2020

CALL FOR REQUEST CfR.5/2020, EKLIPSE & ALTER-Net– February 2020

Deadline to answer the Call: April 6th 2020, 6 pm CET (Extended deadline)
 

1. Context
Since its inception in 2016, the EKLIPSE project has set up a knowledge synthesis and sharing mechanism with a focus on science-policy interface and societal engagement. EKLIPSE has now processed 13 requests on a range of topics linked to biodiversity and ecosystem services, from policy and societal actors such as the European Commission, IUCN, the French Ministry from the Environment, Buglife and many more. EKLIPSE uses a proven and robust process that responds to the evidence needs of requesters by producing a broad range of outputs synthesizing the best available knowledge to facilitate actionable policy recommendations. The mechanism will be managed by the ALTER-Net Network (www.alter-net.info) from August 2020 onwards. This call is the first Joint EKLIPSE – ALTER-Net call. As EKLIPSE remains a European Union funded project until July 2020, the selected requesters will not pay the full cost for their request to be processed (see more details in the call).

 

2. Invitation to request knowledge for informed decision-making

Policy and other societal actors are invited to identify topics or evidence needs relating to
biodiversity and ecosystem services and of EU policy relevance, requiring in-depth analysis and a consolidated view from science and other knowledge holders. We particularly encourage requests from consortia representing policy, research, NGOs and also welcome individual applications.

Interested parties – including consortia – should apply by March 9th 2020 by following the rules and procedures detailed below. The selected requests will be announced week starting March 23rd 2020 and will be publicized on the EKLIPSE website. The process of answering these requests will start thereafter.

Please put forward your request by accessing the open calls on www.eklipsemechanism.eu/open_calls

 

3. Objective of the call

EKLIPSE coordinates innovative and transparent approaches for science, policy and societal actors to jointly provide the best available evidence leading to better informed decision-making. The topic and/or evidence needs are identified by policy and other societal actors. All EKLIPSE’s past and current requests and their outputs can be found on the EKLIPSE website.

The process of knowledge synthesis is a crucial element of any science policy interface. Knowledge synthesis’ refers to a set of methods used to review, collate and communicate the best available knowledge on a specific topic or question, including explicit scientific knowledge, but also indigenous and local knowledge, or tacit technical or opinion based knowledge held by stakeholders (Dick et al., 2017). EKLIPSE’s Method Expert Group (MEG) has identified and described 21 different methods to synthesize the different types of knowledge needs requested (see EKLIPSE’s MEG report for further information). On this basis, EKLIPSE identifies and tailors a set of methods for each specific request from policy makers and societal actors.

The objective of this call is to encourage policy and other societal actors to suggest topics and/or evidence needs to be addressed by EKLIPSE, within the scope of its functions (see below). 

Potential requests include:

  • Greater understanding or predictive power e.g. what is the role of biodiversity in maintaining specific ecosystem functions e.g. biogeochemical cycles?
  • Measures of anthropogenic impact e.g. what is the impact of wind farms on bird populations?
  • Measures of effectiveness of interventions e.g. how effective are marine protected areas at enhancing commercial fish populations?
  • Appropriate methodologies e.g. what is the most reliable method for monitoring changes in carbon stocks in forest ecosystems?
  • Optimal management options e.g. what is the optimal grazing regime for maximizing plant diversity in upland meadows?
  • Socio-economic impacts of specific developments in biodiversity e.g. what are the anticipated costs of the spread of the invasive species xyz on health or agriculture?
  • Desirable states e.g. what is the desirable state of forest in terms of deadwood and other biodiversity-relevant structures?
  • Scenario building e.g. how will the risk of flooding change under current climate scenarios up to 2050?
  • Existing knowledge of distribution of species, diseases and their drivers e.g. how has the distribution and abundance of rabies in fox populations changed in the last 10 years?
  • Clarification of definitions e.g. how do different people/groups define ecosystem services?
  • Consultation to identify research priorities (e.g. What are current knowledge gaps and needs on nanoparticles impact on marine biodiversity)
  • Horizon scanning e.g. what will be the biggest novel threats to biodiversity in 2050?
  • Public opinion/ perception issues e.g. is there public support for badger culling in the UK?
  •  

4. Added values of EKLIPSE

The added values of the EKLIPSE approach are multifold (See Figure 1 and 2, see also the video on added values on the EKLIPSE website):

  1. The EKLIPSE approach responds directly to policy and other societal actors' knowledge needs through regular Calls for Requests
  2. The EKLIPSE approach frames questions directly with requesters to better understand what knowledge they need, for what purposes, in what timescale and with which resources
  3. The EKLIPSE approach builds on existing knowledge and links requests for knowledge to the most relevant knowledge holders
  4. EKLIPSE includes a Methods Expert Group, who have identified 21 knowledge synthesis methods, and suggest the most relevant methods to match requesters' needs
  5. EKLIPSE approach is building its activities on a strong Ethical Infrastructure and a strong focus on networking and institutional support

 

More information on the Call for Request PDF.