Call For Proposals

Current Call

No Call for Proposals

There is currently no open call for Working Group proposals. New calls are announced periodically, so please check back for updates.

FISC welcomes proposals for new Working Groups focused on forest biological invasions. We are looking for ideas that bring together diverse expertise, build on existing knowledge or data, and lead to collaborative, synthesis-based outputs.

If you have a research idea that would benefit from an interdisciplinary, international team, you are welcome to prepare your proposal in advance. In the meantime, you can also explore areas of interest in our Potential Research Topics section.

Below, you’ll find detailed information on how the process works.

How to apply

Proposal process

What kind of Working Groups does FISC support?

FISC supports two main types of Working Groups:

Synthetic Working Groups
These groups focus on bringing together existing knowledge in a new way. Typical outputs may include review papers, conceptual papers, policy briefs, or similar synthesis-based results.

Data Analysis Working Groups
These groups assemble and analyse existing datasets in order to address specific research questions. Outputs may include research papers, databases, analytical workflows, or related outputs.

Who can apply?

Proposals should be submitted by prospective Working Group leader(s). Each Working Group is led by one or two researchers and/or innovators who define the main research question, shape the group, coordinate its progress, and act as the main contact point for FISC. Junior researchers are also encouraged to apply.

What should a proposal include?

In the first stage, proposals should include:

Background
A short description of the problem area and the proposed approach, including why the topic is well suited to a FISC Working Group format.
Working Group objectives
A clear description of the main aims of the proposed group.
Timetable
An outline of expected activities, such as online meetings, in-person meetings, analytical work, and anticipated manuscript preparation.
Preliminary deliverables
Expected outputs such as publications, databases, policy recommendations, briefs, or software-related outputs.
Preliminary list of participants
A draft list of proposed participants. At this stage, participants do not need to confirm their willingness to participate.
Short CV of the leader(s)
A brief CV, up to 2 pages per leader.

How are proposals evaluated?

First-stage proposals are assessed by the FISC review panel. Proposals are evaluated based on:

relevance to the FISC focus on biological invasions in forests
scientific novelty
suitability for the synthesis-centre model
the expertise and collaborative potential of the proposed leader(s)
the overall quality and feasibility of the concept.

Selected applicants may then be invited to submit a second-stage proposal with more detailed information, including a confirmed participant list. At that stage, FISC staff also provide guidance on Working Group composition and budget planning.

What makes a strong Working Group proposal?

FISC particularly encourages proposals that:

bring together participants from different disciplines
include a mix of career stages
reflect diversity in gender and national background
create new collaborations rather than relying only on long-established teams
connect scientific excellence with potential practical or policy relevance.