Biodiversa+ 2026 to 2027: novel ecosystems (BiodivFuture)

About this grant

This NERC-funded opportunity supports UK researchers to join transnational consortia submitting joint applications to the Biodiversa+ 2026 to 2027 call on novel ecosystems (BiodivFuture). The call aims to fund novel, high-quality transnational research with potential for societal and political impact that improves understanding of novel ecosystems through holistic, systemic and integrated approaches. It covers investigating the drivers, biological responses, and outcomes (including opportunities, risks and trade-offs) of current and future trajectories of change across terrestrial, freshwater, marine and coastal realms worldwide, with reference to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Projects may address one or more of three themes: Theme A on novel ecosystem functioning and links to socio-cultural and socio-economic dynamics; Theme B on robust, plausible pathways to novel ecosystems under temporal asynchronies and uncertainties; and Theme C on fair and equitable sharing of biodiversity benefits in novel ecosystem contexts, including investment-oriented nature-positive pathways. NERC funds 80% of the full economic cost of the UK budget, up to £375,000 per project (requests above £312,500 at 100% FEC require additional justification), for a maximum of 36 months. Eligible costs follow standard UKRI rules, plus NERC non-ship marine facilities and equipment, and costs for one to two team members to attend up to three RESET events. PhD studentships, international co-leads, NERC ship-time and equipment of £25,000 or more are not funded. UK awards form part of the wider NERC-Defra RESET programme, requiring annual reports to UKRI and regular reporting to the RESET hub. The call operates as a two-step process: mandatory pre-proposals via the Biodiversa+ EPSS, followed by full proposals for invited applicants, with UK awardees then submitting through the UKRI Funding Service. NERC anticipates funding at least 13 projects involving UK partners.

Eligibility

The UK project lead must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for NERC or UKRI funding, including eligible public sector research establishments and independent research organisations. The UK component must fall within NERC's remit, with AHRC and ESRC disciplines encouraged. Applications are open to research groups and individuals at any career stage, subject to NERC eligibility. There is no limit on UK project co-leads, but each must make a clear unique contribution. Transnational consortia must include team members from at least three countries financially participating in the call, including at least two EU member states or Horizon Europe associated countries. International researchers cannot be UK project co-leads (international), though they may be project partners. Individuals may be involved in no more than two applications, only one of which may be as project partner coordinator. Applicants should refer to the Biodiversa+ website for general eligibility rules.

How it's scored

Pre-proposals (step 1) are assessed by independent experts on fit to the call scope, novelty of the research and impact. Full proposals (step 2) are assessed on scientific excellence, quality and efficiency of the implementation of the project plan, and impact, including expected societal and policy impact and approach to stakeholder engagement. The assessment is led by the Biodiversa+ secretariat using independent experts. Specific weightings are not stated on this page; applicants are directed to the Biodiversa+ website.

Key requirements

• ✓Applicant must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for NERC funding
• ✓Project must advance understanding of novel ecosystems, their socio-ecological dynamics and consequences, and future pathways of change
• ✓Submission deadline is 16 April 2027 and the call is part of the Biodiversa+ transnational partnership

Funder contact

The notice names a programme contact you can speak to before applying.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) offer?

Biodiversa+ 2026 to 2027: novel ecosystems (BiodivFuture) offers up to £375K.

When is the Biodiversa+ 2026 to 2027: novel ecosystems (BiodivFuture) deadline?

Applications close 16 Apr 2027 10:00.

Who can apply for Biodiversa+ 2026 to 2027: novel ecosystems (BiodivFuture)?

Eligibility covers organisations in GB, EU; university, research-institution. See the eligibility criteria above for the full conditions.

Relevant sectors

About this sector

Biodiversity funding backs habitat restoration, species protection, protected areas and nature-positive business. It comes from environment agencies, multilateral nature funds and conservation philanthropy, often through competitive calls with defined regions. Applicants are usually asked for baseline surveys, local partners and indicators that show ecological change.