Understanding and tackling the decline of insects

In the EU funding call for research on the dramatic decline of insects, interdisciplinary research consortia are invited to analyze the causes of the widespread disappearance of up to 75% of insect species over the past three decades. Universities, research institutions, specialized authorities, non-profit organizations, and companies of all sizes may apply with at least three independently operating partners from EU Member States or associated Horizon Europe countries. The focus is on the development of integrated monitoring methods, ranging from genomics and ecotoxicology to ecosystem-based approaches, to better capture the impacts of land use, environmental toxins, and climate change on insect populations. 100% of eligible costs – including personnel and material expenses, travel costs, and subcontracting services – will be covered up to a project size of €6,500,000. Applications must be submitted by 17 September 2026 via the EU Participant Register (PIC).

Central to the proposal are clearly structured work plans and risk assessments, as well as well-founded exploitation, dissemination, and communication strategies to raise awareness among policymakers and society for the protection of pollinators and other insect groups. Innovative monitoring concepts, FAIR-by-design data management, and close cooperation with political decision-makers as well as the EC Knowledge Centre for Biodiversity are required. Evaluation will be based on the degree of innovation, expected impact, and quality of consortium implementation. In addition to the obligation to comply with ethical standards and national legal requirements, gender equality plans are also required. The outcome is intended to enable long-term effective strategies for the restoration of viable insect populations and to make an important contribution to the EU biodiversity targets for 2030.