How can researchers build international partnerships, explore European funding opportunities and turn their ideas into collaborative projects? From 18 to 20 January 2027, the Polish Science Contact Agency (PolSCA) of the Polish Academy of Sciences, together with Brussels-based research and innovation liason offices, will organise the third EMERGE-EU study visit, this time focusing on biodiversity. Applications are open until 12 November 2026, 12:00 CET.
EMERGE-EU Biodiversity will bring together researchers from Bulgaria, Czechia, Germany, Poland, Slovakia and the United Kingdom for three days of expert discussions, institutional visits and networking in Brussels and Belgium.
Following the 2026 editions dedicated to advanced materials and artificial intelligence in healthcare, the initiative continues to support researchers seeking to strengthen their position within the European research and innovation landscape.
Biodiversity on the European research agenda
Protecting and restoring biodiversity remains an important priority for European environmental and research policy. Under Horizon Europe, research in this field addresses challenges ranging from ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss to nature restoration and sustainable environmental management.
The EMERGE-EU Biodiversity study visit will offer participants an opportunity to explore these priorities from a European perspective, gain a better understanding of available funding instruments and establish connections that could lead to future collaborative projects.
Three days of learning, networking and collaboration
The programme will combine discussions with representatives of European institutions and research funding organisations with opportunities for direct exchange among participating researchers.
The first day will introduce the European research and innovation landscape, with particular attention to EU biodiversity policies and research priorities.
On the second day, participants will explore funding and networking opportunities offered by the European Research Council (ERC), European Innovation Council (EIC Pathfinder), Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) and COST. The programme will also address upcoming opportunities under the Horizon Europe 2027 Work Programme.
A dedicated international matchmaking session will allow researchers to present their interests, exchange ideas and identify potential partners for future projects. The visit will conclude with an institutional visit to a Belgian research organisation working on biodiversity, ecosystems and sustainable development.
Participants will also be invited to an online preparatory meeting ahead of the visit, including guidance on making the most of the networking and matchmaking activities.
Who should apply?
The study visit is designed for researchers at the R2 / early R3 career stage, particularly those holding a PhD, habilitation or equivalent research qualifications and experience, who are developing or consolidating their scientific independence.
We particularly welcome researchers working on biodiversity, ecology, nature conservation, ecosystem functioning and restoration, and related environmental sciences.
The programme is especially relevant for those interested in expanding their European networks, identifying research funding opportunities and developing ideas for international collaboration. Research institutions are encouraged to identify and nominate candidates whose research profiles align with the programme and who could benefit from the contacts and experience gained during the visit.
Registration open until 12 November!
Places are limited, with up to four places available for participants from Poland. Travel and accommodation costs must be covered by participants or their institutions.
The study visit will take place on 18–20 January 2027, in Brussels and at a Belgian research institution.
Interested researchers are invited to complete the application form available on the event page by 12 November 2026, 12:00 CET.
Join EMERGE-EU Biodiversity and take the next step towards new European research partnerships!
