Latest - Call for proposals - ILTER - International long term ecological research

Call for proposals

A coordinated network activity for global-scale ecological comparison

ILTER is launching a global activity to showcase the network’s collaborative strength and scientific relevance. Proposals addressing a scientific topic of the applicant’s choice are invited, with the aim of producing a simple, standardised, yet ecologically meaningful dataset. Topics centred on decomposition studies are excluded. The activity is designed to foster broad participation across ILTER sites and enhance the network’s collective value.

Through a two-stage call, opening in March, ILTER invites proposals from teams interested in providing operational support and coordination for the initiative. The selected team will work closely with ILTER to co-design the activity, develop training materials and data standards, and conduct pilot tests. During implementation, they will liaise with participating sites, manage incoming data, and promote the visibility of results through ILTER platforms and channels.

Motivation

Process overview

Requirements – first stage

Requirements – second stage

Eligibility and Criteria

Financial aspects

Motivation

As the umbrella organisation of national and regional LTER networks worldwide, ILTER offers unique opportunities for comparative, site-based research across a wide range of biomes and along major environmental gradients. Several past and ongoing studies have already capitalised on ILTER’s network structure, generating datasets that provide valuable scientific and socio-ecological insights across multiple sites. One previous initiative, TeaComposition, even succeeded in collecting experimental data from sites worldwide. See the section on Research Initiatives for more information.

Despite these successes, the full potential of the ILTER network has so far not been fully realised. In particular, no globally coordinated monitoring activity has yet been implemented within ILTER. The newly planned global activity is therefore intended not only to demonstrate the added value of the network, but also to generate a simple yet scientifically meaningful dataset—accessible in design, low in complexity, but relevant to a broad range of ecological questions.

The activity is intended not only to strengthen collaboration, foster a shared sense of purpose, and enhance network identity across ILTER, but also to serve as a stepping stone for future global research efforts. Its accessible design will allow broad participation, including from under-resourced sites and regions, and provide an opportunity to demonstrate the scientific and operational readiness of the ILTER network at global scale. At the same time, the activity will offer a clear and compelling example of ILTER’s relevance to funders, partners, and other stakeholders.

Process overview

1. First-stage proposals

Applicants submit a brief outline of their concept, including a preliminary protocol idea, basic feasibility, and expected outcomes.

2. Selection of shortlisted teams

ILTER will select a small number of promising teams (likely three) based upon the evaluation criteria.

3. Initial co-development phase

ILTER will engage with the shortlisted teams to align expectations, clarify the intended scope of the activity, and provide feedback before the next stage.

4. Second-stage proposals

The shortlisted teams will be invited to submit more detailed proposals, building on the feedback received. These should include an improved protocol outline, draft implementation plan, indicative documentation elements, and basic communication and coordination structures.

Note: This is not intended to be a full implementation-ready package. Only the selected team will be expected to work out the final details in collaboration with ILTER.

5. Selection of the implementing team

Based on the second-stage proposals, ILTER will select one team to carry out the activity under a service contract.

6. Second co-development phase

The selected team (now acting as the host project team) will work closely with ILTER to finalise the protocol, define data formats and workflows, and set up communication structures with participating sites.

7. Implementation of the Global Activity

A test implementation at a small number of sites will be conducted first to validate the protocol, training materials, data workflows, and coordination structures.

After this test phase and any necessary adjustments, the activity will be rolled out across the full network of participating ILTER sites.

The host project team's main actions will then be:

Interacting with sites and provide guidance and helpdesk support
Handling incoming data, including validation and quality control
Ensuring visibility and FAIR data integration (e.g. via DEIMS)
Maintaining communication with ILTER bodies and reporting on progress

Leadership Roles

The host project team is responsible for operational coordination and technical implementation.
The Executive Committee retains strategic oversight and supervision.
The Science Committee provides content expertise, review, and quality assurance.
The Information Management Committee supports data formats and integration workflows.
The Secretariat supports logistics, communication, and acts as the financial and legal contact point.
The Coordinating Committee is regularly informed and consulted for feedback.
The Governing Board will be involved only if the project later seeks an extension or additional funding.

Requirements – first stage

under construction

Requirements – second stage

Basic first-stage proposals are currently required. More detailed protocol specifications, documentation materials and data integration concepts will only be required for the second-stage proposal.

1. Site Eligibility and Network Alignment

All observations must be carried out exclusively at official ILTER sites, as listed in the ILTER site catalogue on DEIMS-SDR.

2. Proposed Topic and Scope

The recommended theme for the Global Activity is Plant Functional Traits, including the optional subtopic of Invasive Plant Species, which may allow for the identification of shared functional characteristics. However, applicants are also welcome to propose a different topic, provided it serves the same overall purpose as outlined in the Motivation section—namely, to produce a simple, standardised, ecologically meaningful dataset that showcases the value of ILTER's global network.

3. Co-development with ILTER

First-stage proposals should include an initial outline of the intended protocol, not a complete or final version. This outline will serve as a starting point for further co-development in close collaboration with ILTER. The final protocol will be agreed jointly and submitted as part of the second-stage proposal.

4. General Applicability and Flexibility

Protocols should be applicable across a wide range of site types and biomes. While a generic approach suitable for all site types is preferred, adaptations or modular components for different site categories (e.g. forests, grasslands, deserts) may be proposed, provided they remain broadly applicable and comparable. Aquatic sites should be included where possible, with specific adaptations if necessary.

5. Simplicity and Cost-efficiency

Methods must be simple, low-cost, and feasible for implementation with existing infrastructure and staffing. The use of standard field equipment is encouraged. Centralised laboratory analysis or the shipment of physical samples should be avoided. Wherever possible, applicants are encouraged to build on established methods and protocols with demonstrated reliability and accessibility.

6. Standardisation and Clarity

The focus should be on generating a robust, standardised dataset with high network value. Although only an outline is required at the first-stage proposal, it must demonstrate a clear conceptual structure and feasibility for standardised application. All critical steps and materials should be foreseeable and compatible with harmonised implementation across sites.

7. Scientific Relevance and Coherence

While scientific and methodological innovation is not the primary aim, scientific rigour and interpretability are essential. The protocol must yield ecologically meaningful data that are suitable for cross-site comparison and synthesis, and that relate to ILTER’s mission. This includes a basic research perspective—for example, by linking functional traits to dominant species or community-level patterns, using contextual information already available at the sites.

8. Temporal Design and Repeatability

Proposals must indicate whether the intended activity is envisioned as a one-time observation or as a potentially repeatable measurement (e.g. annually). In all cases, data collection should occur during the local peak of the growing season, which varies from site to site.

9. Documentation and Support Materials

While no complete documentation is required at the first proposal stage, applicants must demonstrate that the proposed activity can ultimately be supported by a precise, complete, and fully traceable protocol package which will include clear instructions, structured data sheets, and explanatory support materials. These materials will be developed in cooperation with ILTER and submitted as part of the second-stage proposal.

10. Inclusiveness and Accessibility

Applicants should demonstrate awareness of inclusiveness challenges and the potential to enable participation by under-resourced sites. Proposals should avoid foreseeable language or equipment barriers and anticipate the later development of accessible materials to support broad participation. In the second-stage proposals, where appropriate, visual materials such as diagrams, photos, or videos should be considered to support inclusive implementation.

11. Data Output and Integration

Data integration procedures should only be outlined in the first-stage proposal, but applicants should be aware that
data outputs will later be made compatible with ILTER’s infrastructure (e.g. DEIMS-SDR) and follow the FAIR principles. This aspect will be addressed jointly and formalised in the second-stage proposal including data validation, quality control, and presentation.

Eligibility and Criteria

There are no formal eligibility restrictions. Although the proposed activity must be carried out exclusively at official ILTER sites, teams from both within and outside the ILTER network are invited to apply – familiarity with long-term ecosystem research may be beneficial, but fresh external perspectives are equally welcome.

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria

Overall ILTER network value of the proposed activity
Scientific foundation of the protocol to be implemented at ILTER sites
Operational feasibility and clarity of the work plan
Team capacity and relevant experience
(Prior or current involvement in LTER-related work may be advantageous, but is not required)
Clarity and adequacy of the cost structure

Financial aspects

ILTER intends to conclude a service contract with the selected team. The legal entity acting as the contractual counterpart to ILTER must be clearly identified in the application, as specified in the application template. Applicants are required to submit an indicative itemised budget as part of their proposal.

A total budget of €55,000 will be granted for the project, which must have a minimum duration of two years. Of this amount, a maximum of €30,000 may be spent in 2026. Project extensions beyond the agreed duration, including applications for additional funding, may be submitted upon completion of the contracted period.

ILTER funding must be used in the most cost-efficient manner, in line with the least-cost principle, and all claimed expenses must be clearly necessary for the execution of the agreed activities. ILTER does not apply detailed financial rules to its funding schemes, in order to accommodate the diverse administrative practices of applicants worldwide. In all cases, applicants are expected to follow their institution’s usual business procedures, as they would with any other client.

Specific regulations

Funding will be provided to the implementing team, while the contributions of ILTER sites will rely on in-kind efforts.
Funds will primarily be provided via reimbursement, using the official ILTER reimbursement request form available from the ILTER Public Cloud. In justified cases, limited pre-payments may be approved.
Eligible cost categories include (but are not limited to) personnel costs, other direct costs (e.g. travel, consumables), third-party costs (e.g. subcontracting).
Ineligible costs include capital investments of any kind and long-haul travel to international conferences.
Overhead costs are in principle eligible, provided they are reasonable and proportionate. Profit margins are only eligible in well-justified exceptional cases. If per diems or mileage allowances are claimed, they must comply with official Austrian regulations; reference values can be obtained from the ILTER Secretariat upon request.
ILTER reserves the right to reject individual budget items it considers inappropriate, excessive, or misaligned with the project’s objectives. This includes disproportionately high overheads, which may be only partially reimbursed.
The agreed budget will be considered flexible, and reasonable adjustments to cost categories, spending items, or budgetary timing may be made during the course of the project.

In case of uncertainty, applicants are encouraged to contact the ILTER Secretariat for clarification.

Submission and contact:

To submit a proposal, please download the application template in MS Word format, complete it and return the file as a PDF to the ILTER Secretariat via email.

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The Secretariat is responsible for administering the call and will gladly answer any questions you may have.