BEERN Programme
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Evidence and Research Needs (BEERN) Programme
The Biodiversity and Ecosystem Evidence and Research Needs (BEERN) Programme aims to identify and address biodiversity and ecosystem evidence and research needs that will deliver and impact on Welsh policy and delivery priorities, particularly those set out by the Nature Recovery Action Plan.
The programme engages with the research community in Wales and beyond, delivers new approaches and integrates with existing mechanisms to ensure good provision of evidence and advice to the Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales, the broader environmental sector and others.
The programme seeks to:
- Bring together practitioners, policy-makers and academics from across Wales to identify gaps in our evidence base;
- Provide a mechanism and route for translating these gaps into deliverable research projects;
- Prioritise and fund projects according to need (based on policy and delivery priorities)
The programme takes forward, refreshes and strengthens the work of the WBP Evidence Gaps Project. We thank all those who contributed to the project.
Steering Group
A steering group oversees the implementation of the programme. Its members include Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales, Cardiff University Sustainable Places Research Institute, Aberystwyth University, Bangor University, JNCC, Plantlife, RSPB, Wales Environment Link and the Wildlife Trust.
Natural Resources Wales Marine Biodiversity Evidence Needs
Natural Resources Wales have identified priority evidence needs relating to some of their marine biodiversity work. For further information please visit the NRW website. The document below outlines the projects that NRW consider to be of high priority, and where they wish to explore opportunities for collaborative working.
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research Funding Available
BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM RESEARCH FUNDING AVAILABLE
The Biodiversity and Ecosystem Evidence and Research Needs (BEERN) Programme welcomes applications for small research projects that will directly support our understanding, evidence and monitoring of biodiversity and ecosystems in Wales.
Funding is available to support student research projects to be undertaken on biodiversity and ecosystem resilience that meet the objectives of the Nature Recovery Action Plan – Wales’ biodiversity strategy aimed at addressing the underlying causes of biodiversity loss. Please note however that priority funding will be given to project proposals that work toward meeting either NRW’s SoNaRR 2020 evidence needs or Marine biodiversity collaborative research priorities. Before applying please use the contact us form on the webpage to engage with the NRW specialists who identified these needs, to find out more information in order to develop your project.
This BEERN project funding is available for up to £1000 per applicant and can support the costs associated with defined research projects being undertaken by undergraduates, masters and postgraduate students. Projects may be of varied content and might include field or desk-based research, surveys and citizen science activities. Costs may include equipment, consumables, travel expenses and subsistence for essential field research. Project applications will need to demonstrate that goals can be met under the current Covid-19 guidelines, and outline a brief contingency plan in case enhanced restrictions are re-imposed.
Applications can be submitted using the application form below by the 30th June, 5pm to Wales Biodiversity Partnership at [email protected].
Summary of research projects receiving grants 2020
