Happy World Migratory Bird Day! – check out our new cartoon
Every bird counts—and every observation matters. By tracking migratory birds and contributing to data collection, we help better understand genetic diversity and strengthen conservation efforts. Join the journey of discovery and be part of protecting species for the future. Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day 2026 with us! Download cartoon
VMG CALL IN WG5 ON DEVELOPING HIGH-IMPACT VISUAL CONTENT
COST Action GENOA (CA23121) invites applications for two Virtual Mobility Grants (VMG) under Working Group 5 – “Communication and Collaboration”. This call directly supports contributions to the WG5 mandate and the deliverable D4.5 “5 (stand-alone) cartoons and 1 comics series” by developing high-impact visual content. The virtual mobility can take place between 1 June and 15 September 2026, with funding of up to €1,500 per grant. Applications are open to eligible COST Action participants from COST Full/Cooperating Member Countries and Near Neighbour Countries. Application deadline: 20 May 2026 (23:59 CEST) Results: by 30 May 2026 at the latest Applications
VM GRANTS WG4 “ENGAGEMENT”
Working Group 4 of the COST Action GENOA invites applications for two Virtual Mobility Grants (VMGs) supporting Task 4.1 on stakeholder engagement and the implementation of genetic diversity indicators under the CBD Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The VMGs will contribute to the distribution, analysis, and communication of a stakeholder survey on the use of genetic diversity indicators in national CBD reporting. Activities will take place virtually between 1 June and 15 September 2026. The call is open to eligible GENOA Action participants from COST Full or Cooperating Member Countries and Near Neighbour Countries. The application deadline is 20 May
WG1 TRAINING SCHOOL on Legal and Policy Dimensions of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
COST Action GENOA (CA23121) invites applications for a Training School in the frames of Working Group 1 - “Policy”. The Training School is set for two days of lectures and interactive sessions, with focus on biodiversity law, policy and governance, with particular attention to genetic diversity indicators and their role in achieving the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework commitments. The Training School takes place 23 - 25 June 2026, with funding for participation, including travel and accommodation (daily allowance), for up to 25 participants. Applications are open to interested eligible COST Action researchers and practitioners from COST Full/Cooperating Member Countries
Happy Earth Day! – check out our new cartoon
Protecting genetic diversity is protecting the future of our planet. Through GENOA, we turn knowledge into action—because our power is cooperation, and our planet is our shared responsibility. Happy Earth Day! WG5 created yet another great stand-alone cartoon greeting card to celebrate this day. Feel free to download it below and use it to remind other colleagues, stakeholders and the general public of the importance of safeguarding genetic diversity. Our power, our Planet!!! All the best from GENOA's comms team Download cartoon
STSM CALL IN WG3 ON GENETIC DIVERSITY IN “PARTICULAR SYSTEMS”
COST Action GENOA (CA23121) invites applications for a Short‑Term Scientific Mission (STSM) under Working Group 3 – “Genes to Ecosystem”. This call supports contributions to the WG3 sub‑project on Genetic Diversity in "particular systems", led by Roberta Gargiulo. The STSMs will focus on the characterisation and conservation implications of genetic diversity in taxa with complex biological or taxonomic features, such as polyploid, clonal or haplo‑diplontic systems, hybrids and hybrid zones. Projects should explore how genetic diversity in these systems informs applied conservation and management, including potential links to socio‑ecosystems. Funded STSMs can take place between 1 June and 15
STSM CALL IN WG3 ON GENETIC DIVERSITY IN AREA-BASED APPROACHES
COST Action GENOA (CA23121) invites applications for a Short‑Term Scientific Mission (STSM) under Working Group 3 – “Genes to Ecosystem”. This call supports contributions to the WG3 sub‑project on Genetic Diversity in area-based approaches, led by Henri Thomassen. The STSMs will focus on reviewing, analysing, or modelling genetic diversity in spatially explicit contexts, including topics such as landscape genetics, species distribution modelling, spatial conservation prioritisation, and connectivity assessments. Funded activities can take place between 1 June and 15 September 2026, with grants of up to €2,500. Application deadline extended: 17 May 2026 (23:59 CEST) Results: by 29 May 2026
VMG CALL IN WG3 ON GENETIC DIVERSITY IN RED LIST ASSESSMENT
COST Action GENOA (CA23121) invites applications for a Virtual Mobility Grant (VMG) under Working Group 3 – “Genes to Ecosystem”. This call supports contributions to the WG3 sub‑project on Genetic Diversity in IUCN Red List Assessments, focusing on reviewing and evaluating the availability and use of genetic information in Red List species assessments. The virtual mobility can take place between 1 June and 15 September 2026, with funding of up to €1,500 per grant. Applications are open to eligible COST Action participants from COST Full/Cooperating Member Countries and Near Neighbour Countries. Application deadline extended: 17 May 2026 (23:59 CEST)
Happy International Day of Forests!
On the International Day of Forests, COST Action GENOA celebrates the vital role that forests play in sustaining biodiversity, supporting ecosystem services, and strengthening the resilience of our planet. Our work in genetic monitoring and nature‑based solutions is deeply connected to the health and future of forest ecosystems. On this day, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and promoting the use of genetic indicators to ensure that forests—and the biodiversity they harbor—continue to thrive for generations to come. We extend our appreciation to all partners, researchers, and practitioners working to protect and understand our forests. Together,
HAPPY WORLD WETLANDS DAY 2026
World Wetlands Day reminds us of the essential role wetlands play in sustaining life and supporting genetic diversity. To mark the day, the GENOA COST Action WG5 team prepared a fun stand-alone cartoon highlighting why these ecosystems matter. Created by our incredibly talented Adi Habul, we hope it inspires curiosity and action! Download cartoon
