EMERGE-EU Biodiversity | Study Visit to Brussels

The Polish Science Contact Agency (PolSCA) of the Polish Academy of Sciences, together with Brussels-based research and innovation liason offices, invites researchers to participate in EMERGE-EU Biodiversity, a three-day international networking and study visit dedicated to European research priorities, funding opportunities and collaboration in biodiversity and related environmental sciences.

The programme will bring together researchers from Bulgaria, Czechia, Germany, Poland, Slovakia and the United Kingdom to engage with European research institutions, exchange knowledge and explore opportunities for future joint projects. This third edition of EMERGE-EU builds on the pilot study visits dedicated to advanced materials and AI in healthcare organised in 2026.

About the study visit

EMERGE-EU Biodiversity aims to support researchers who are developing their scientific independence and seeking to increase their participation in European research and innovation activities.

Through meetings with European institutions, funding agencies and fellow researchers, participants will have the opportunity to:

• Gain insights into EU biodiversity research priorities and policies.
• Explore European funding instruments, including ERC, EIC Pathfinder, MSCA, COST and Horizon Europe.
• Learn about upcoming research opportunities under the Horizon Europe 2027 Work Programme.
• Present their research interests and identify potential international collaborators.
• Establish connections with researchers and institutions across Europe.

Preliminary programme

Day 0 | Online preparatory meeting

Date to be confirmed, week 11-15 January 2027

Preparation for the study visit, including guidance on networking, matchmaking and presenting research interests.

Day 1 | Monday, 18 January 2027

European research landscape and biodiversity policies

• Welcome and introduction to the study visit.
• Participant introductions and presentations of research interests.
• Overview of the European research and innovation landscape.
• EU policies and priorities in biodiversity research.

Day 2 | Tuesday, 19 January 2027

European funding opportunities and international collaboration

• European Research Council (ERC): funding opportunities and exchange with representatives of the European Research Council Executive Agency (ERCEA).
• COST: opportunities for international networking and research cooperation.
• European Innovation Council (EIC Pathfinder): opportunities for biodiversity-related research.
• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA): funding opportunities for researchers.
• Horizon Europe 2027: upcoming calls and research opportunities.
• International matchmaking sessions and development of potential research collaborations.

Day 3 | Wednesday, 20 January 2027

Institutional study visit

Visit to a Belgian research institution specialising in biodiversity, ecosystems and sustainable development.

The programme is preliminary and may be subject to change.

Who can participate?

The study visit is intended for researchers at the R2 / early R3 career stage who hold a PhD, habilitation or equivalent qualifications and research experience, and are developing or strengthening their independence as researchers.

We particularly encourage applications from researchers working in:

• Biodiversity and ecology.
• Nature conservation and biodiversity restoration.
• Ecosystem functioning and restoration.
• Environmental sciences and sustainable ecosystem management.
• Related research fields addressing biodiversity challenges.

Applicants should demonstrate an interest in European research cooperation, international networking and developing future collaborative projects. Research institutions are encouraged to conduct an internal selection process and nominate candidates whose profiles best match the programme.

Registration and practical information

Dates: 18–20 January 2027

Location: Brussels, Belgium, including a visit to a Belgian research institution

Application deadline: 12 November 2026, 12:00 CET

Available places: Up to four participants from Poland

Participation costs: Travel and accommodation expenses are not covered by the organisers and must be financed by participants or their institutions.

Registration: Interested researchers are invited to submit their applications using the registration form below.

APPLY HERE

Places are limited. Submission of an application does not guarantee participation.

About EMERGE-EU

EMERGE-EU is a study visit initiative coordinated by PolSCA to help researchers strengthen their engagement with the European Research Area.

By combining access to European institutions, expert knowledge and international networking, the initiative supports researchers in developing their careers, identifying funding opportunities and building partnerships for future European research projects.

The Biodiversity edition follows the 2026 study visits focused on advanced materials and artificial intelligence in healthcare.