Living labs to enhance soil health in managed forests and in natural/semi-natural lands

The EU initiative “Living Labs for Improving Soil Quality in Managed Forests and Natural/Semi-Natural Areas” supports research projects and practical initiatives that bring together experts from various disciplines in collaboration with agriculture and forestry, municipal administrations, environmental organizations, and science. Funding is provided to SMEs and large enterprises, non-profit and public institutions, as well as research and teaching entities from at least three EU member states or associated countries within a multi-actor approach. With a duration of up to 48 months and a funding rate of 100%, the two-stage procedure targets consortia that establish four to five living labs on different soil types, plan monitoring and innovation measures in detail, and advance soil-relevant solutions for climate and nature conservation. Submissions for the first stage are possible until April 14, 2026, with the second stage closing on September 15, 2026.

Project outlines should demonstrate clear objectives, methodology, and interdisciplinarity, as well as present structures for data management, open science, and communication. Eligible costs include personnel, travel, consumables, equipment, and subcontractor services, as well as funding for third parties. Evaluation criteria include the innovativeness of the living labs, the quality of the multi-actor approach, geographical distribution, scientific excellence, methodology, and potential policy relevance. Up to two grants of a maximum of €24 million per topic are available to effectively implement the mission “Making Soil Healthier” in line with the European Green Deal and the EU strategies for 2030.