Deadline: 15-Mar-24
The European Arboricultural Council (EAC) is pleased to announce the Research and Development Programme to support innovative projects that contribute to the enhancement and practical implementation of arboriculture practices, systems, and technologies.
Purpose and Objectives
- The primary purpose of the EAC R&D Grant scheme is to advance the field of arboriculture by providing financial assistance to research and development projects. Specifically, the grant scheme seeks to achieve the following objectives:
- Promote Sustainable Arboriculture: Encourage research that contributes to the sustainable management of trees and urban forests, minimising environmental impacts, and enhancing overall ecological balance.
- Enhance Tree Health and Longevity: Support projects focused on developing systems and practices that improve the health, vitality, and longevity of trees, contributing to more resilient urban trees.
- Innovative Techniques and Technologies: Fund research and development efforts that explore and create innovative techniques, tools, and technologies for arboricultural practices, such as tree assessment, pruning, planting, felling, and cabling & bracing.
- Knowledge Dissemination: Facilitate the sharing of knowledge and best practices in arboriculture, promoting collaboration between researchers, practitioners, and organisations.
Funding Information
- The total amount of funds available for this grant scheme (2024–2026) is €20,000.
- Two projects will be supported with €10,000 each.
Eligible Projects
- Project proposals eligible for funding through the EAC R&D Grant Scheme should be focused on rigorous research within the field of arboriculture. These research projects can fall into one of two distinct categories:
- Fundamental Science: These projects delve into the fundamental aspects of arboriculture, exploring the biological, physiological, and ecological intricacies of trees. Fundamental science research endeavours to expand the fundamental understanding of trees, their growth processes, and their interactions with the environment. Successful proposals in this category contribute to the advancement of arboricultural science by uncovering new insights, theories, or principles.
- Applied Science: Applied science research projects bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. They address real-world challenges in arboriculture by developing and testing practical solutions, techniques, or technologies. Applied science projects aim to directly benefit arboricultural practice, tree care, preservation, or urban forestry. Successful proposals in this category have a clear path to practical implementation and tangible impact within the arboricultural field.
Geographic Focus
- Applicants and projects should be based in Europe.
Eligibility Criteria
- Eligible Applicants: The EAC R&D Grant Scheme extends its invitation to a diverse array of eligible applicants, each bringing their unique perspectives, skills, and expertise to the table. All the applicants should be at least 18 years old.
- Individual Applicants: This category encompasses individuals enthusiastic about advancing arboriculture. These applicants may include:
- Self-Employed Arborists: Independent arborists who operate their own arboricultural businesses. When applying, they should specify their self-employed status in the affiliation.
- Students: enthusiastic students at various levels of education (undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral) who are conducting arboriculture-related research or projects.
- Organisations
- Companies: arboriculture-related companies (e.g., tree care services, equipment manufacturers, tree nurseries).
- Non-Profit Organisations: non-profit entities dedicated to arboriculture, urban forestry, or environmental conservation.
- Certification Centres: organisations responsible for training and certification in the field of arboriculture.
- Research Institutions (Public or Private): academic institutions, public or private research organisations, and universities engaged in arboricultural research and innovation.
Ineligibility
- Applicants who meet any of the following conditions will be deemed ineligible for the EAC R&D Grant Scheme:
- Age Restrictions: Applicants who are younger than 18 years old at the time of application will not be considered eligible for the grant programme.
- Prior Grant Recipients: Individuals who have previously received funding and whose project supported by the grant system has not yet concluded will not be eligible to reapply.
- Unsuccessful Proposals: Applicants who have submitted proposals for the previous call that received an evaluation score of less than 60% (this applies to both the total score and each evaluated section of the proposal) will be considered ineligible.
For more information, visit EAC.