Acting locally for global impact
Biodiversity supports all life on Earth, but it is being lost quickly across the world. The International Day for Biodiversity (IDB) 2026, with the theme “Acting locally for global impact,” encourages everyone to take action to stop this loss. Protecting biodiversity starts with small actions close to home, which can make a big difference around the world. Download cartoon
VMG CALL IN WG4 on establishing a mentorship programme for GENOA Young Researchers and Innovators – YRIs
COST Action GENOA (CA23121) invites applications for a Virtual Mobility Grant (VMG) under Working Group 4 to support activities necessary to design and implement the mentorship framework, including mapping mentorship needs, developing guidelines and matching procedures, and facilitating initial interactions between mentors and mentees within the GENOA YRI network. The initiative aims to strengthen professional development opportunities for YRIs and promote long-term collaboration within the Action. The virtual mobility can take place between 25 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
JOINT WG2/3 WORKSHOP: Ne/Nc ratios and genetic indicators in the wild-to-domesticated continuum
We are organising a 2-day WG2-WG3 workshop covering two complementary subprojects in conservation genetics. Subproject 1 - WG2: Estimating Ne/Nc Ratios from Life History Traits A central challenge in conservation genetics is predicting the effective-to-census population size ratio (Ne/Nc) across species with varied life history traits. Led by Joachim Mergeay, the participants will critically review and expand existing Ne/Nc datasets, apply reliability filters to published estimates, compile life history traits for focal species, and develop regression models. Pursuing after the workshop, models will be validated with AgeNe simulations to produce a practical, trait-based prediction tool usable across taxa. Subproject
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
