Restoration Ecology

Seed support for short pilot and feasibility studies connected to the Tropical Field Station La Gamba in Costa Rica. Projects may cover scoping, method development, baseline data collection or initial infrastructure, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary research and follow-on external proposals within 6–12 months. Desk-based and preparatory research are permitted; an on-site visit is not mandatory. Base awards are up to EUR 10,000 for single-discipline projects or EUR 20,000 for interdisciplinary projects, over at most 15 months. A separate EUR 5,000 bonus follows submission of a competitive external funding application. The second call closes on 31 October 2026.

Rewards internationally significant research in environmental stewardship, biodiversity, ecosystem restoration, remediation and sustainable management of natural resources. The indivisible prize totals EUR 200,000 and includes a plaque and ceremony travel support. The complete application is due 20 November 2026 at 17:00 CET.

Join the PERCS project’s spatial-science synthesis work on perennial restoration in agricultural landscapes. Model ecological and biodiversity benefits, prioritize restoration locations and build a practical digital tool for project partners. Collaborate across disciplines and communicate findings through papers, reports and workshops under Matthew Mitchell. Expected pay is CAD 70,000/year plus benefits, with a preferred start of 1 January 2027. The initial term may be renewed for a further year after satisfactory performance.

This scientific meeting examines how tropical-forest ecology can guide green finance while safeguarding biodiversity. Field observations, ecosystem models, economic analysis and restoration evidence connect forest condition, climate resilience, carbon storage and species interactions to nature-based investments. Discussions address additionality, landscape risks, conservation outcomes, measurement and research-informed financial policy. Programme participants include Jedediah Brodie (University of Montana, US); Rebecca Senior (University of Durham, UK); Matheus Nunes (University of Maryland, US); Julia Touza-Montero (University of York, UK); Robin Chazdon (University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia); Lindsay Banin (UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, UK). Schedule: 5–6 October 2026, 09:00–17:00 each day, Europe/London (BST, UTC+1). Researchers may attend online or at the Royal Society, 6–9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AG, United Kingdom. Both modes are free; advance registration is required using the appropriate online or in-person ticket. Optional lunch was advertised at £25/day, but bookings were closed when checked; bring lunch or eat nearby.

Jürgen Breuste examines what urban nature conservation should protect and how it should work. The talk contrasts safeguarding rare remnants with sustaining the many forms of nature through which residents experience cities. Wetlands surviving earlier development illustrate the importance of restoration, but inventories also show protected plants and animals throughout urban areas, beyond designated reserves. Their survival therefore requires conservation to engage with residents and the wider urban landscape. The IOER Forum also includes Gerd Lintz’s contribution on how ecological knowledge becomes urban-regional policy through the Multiple Streams Framework, followed by discussion. Hybrid attendance: IÖR-Saal, Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development, Weberplatz 1, 01217 Dresden, Germany, and online via the organizer page’s Zoom-Link. The forum is open to all, free, and requires no registration. English-language session, Friday 9 October, 14:00–15:30 CEST (Europe/Berlin).