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 its first globally coordinated activity, bringing together sites across the network in a single, shared study. Teams are invited to propose a scientific topic of their choice, with the aim of producing a simple, standardised, yet ecologically meaningful dataset to showcase the network’s collaborative strength and scientific relevance.

Through a two-stage call, ILTER invites proposals from teams willing to take on the operational coordination of the activity, with the scientific direction shaped jointly with ILTER. The selected team will co-design the activity with ILTER, develop training materials and data standards, and run pilot tests. During implementation, they will liaise with participating sites, manage incoming data, and communicate results through ILTER's 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 activity has yet been implemented within ILTER. The Global Activity 2026–2027 is therefore intended both to demonstrate the added value of the network and to generate a simple, ecologically meaningful dataset relevant to a broad range of questions.

Beyond its scientific output, the activity is meant to strengthen collaboration and network identity across ILTER, and to serve as a stepping stone for future global research efforts. Its accessible design is explicitly intended to enable participation from under-resourced sites and regions, broadening the geographic and institutional reach of the network. At the same time, the activity will demonstrate ILTER's scientific and operational readiness at global scale — a clear and compelling example of the network'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

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.

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.

Scientific Scope

Applicants are invited to propose a scientific topic of their choice, provided it serves the overall purpose as outlined in the Motivation section—namely, to produce a simple, standardized, ecologically meaningful dataset that showcases the value of ILTER's global network within the framework of the specific requirements listed below.

Co-development with ILTER

An initial outline of the intended protocol 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.

Protocol applicability

An overview of the intended activities should be provided including an explanation why these activities will be applicable across a wide range of site types and biomes and at the same time remain simple, low-cost, and feasible for implementation with existing infrastructure and staffing and without the shipment of physical samples.

Specific relevance for ILTER

The outline must demonstrate a clear conceptual structure and feasibility for standardized application. Likewise, this application should yield ecologically meaningful data that are suitable for cross-site comparison and synthesis, and, thereby, relate to ILTER’s mission. Moreover, basic data integration procedures should be mentioned.

Documentation and Support Materials

No complete documentation is required, but 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.

Requirements – second stage

Second stage proposals are the outcome of the co-development between the applicants and ILTER, after their first-stage proposal was selected to enter the second stage application process. Obviously, the criteria required for first-stage proposals remain valid.

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.

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. Centralized laboratory analysis should be avoided. Wherever possible, applicants are encouraged to build on established methods and protocols with demonstrated reliability and accessibility.

Scientific Relevance and Coherence

While scientific and methodological innovation is not the primary aim, scientific rigor 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 and include contextual information already available at the sites.

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.

Documentation and Support Materials

The centerpiece of the proposal will be 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.

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. Visual materials such as diagrams, photos, or videos should be considered to support inclusive implementation.

Data Output and Integration

Data integration procedures will be addressed jointly with ILTER and formalized including data validation, quality control, and presentation. Data outputs will be made compatible with ILTER’s infrastructure (e.g. DEIMS-SDR) and follow the FAIR principles.

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.

Timeline

Step	Indicative Timing	Duration
Call for first-stage proposals opens	7 May 2026	–
Deadline for first-stage proposals	7 September 2026	4 months
Evaluation & shortlisting	September 2026	1 month
Initial co-development phase	Mid October 2026	Flexible
Deadline for second-stage proposals	January 2027	3 months
Evaluation & contract award	March 2027	1 month
Second co-development phase	Jointly defined with selected team	Flexible
Implementation planning & roll-out	Jointly defined with selected team	–

Submission and contact

To submit a proposal, please download the Proposal Template for the first stage (MS Word format). The filled-in template should be sent via email as a PDF to the ILTER Secretariat which will also answer possible questions by applicants.