Thematic call of Maj and Tor Nessling Foundation: 'Synthesis on ecosystem services'
The thematic call Synthesis on ecosystem services was opened in the autumn 2011 and the application process was carried out in two phases. The Governing Board of Maj and Tor Nessling Foundation decided on 13th December 2011 to provide prof. Olli Saastamoinen with funding of 249.900 euros for the project Integrated and policy relevant valuation of forest, agro, peatland and aquatic ecosystem services in Finland. The project will start in the spring 2012 lasting one year.
The original call for applications (17th August 2011)
Background
Recently ’ecosystem services’ have become a widely used concept and an important theme for research. However, the definition, valuation and operationalisation of the ecosystem services concept remain vague and require further research.
Objectives of the call
The main objective of this call is to produce a topical analysis on the meaning and importance of ecosystem services: what is the concept needed for and how can it be used in decision-making?
Further aims are to analyse and clarify the concepts and conceptions related to ecosystem services, as well as to prepare a policy-relevant synthesis on the valuation and central indicators of ecosystem services. It is essential to pay attention to both ecological and socio-economic dimensions of ecosystem services. The outcome of the analysis must be relevant and applicable in the Finnish circumstances.
The aims are to be reached using existing state-of-the-art knowledge, publications and data banks. International benchmarking to identify the best available applications and practices will be considered of benefit to an application. The results of the financed project are expected to be made available for societal discussion and decision-making.
Applicant and research group
The applicant, i.e. the project leader, must be a senior researcher at professor level. The project leader will be provided with professor’s salary compatible with his/her career stage for one year, during which the project leader must be exempt from other professional duties. Furthermore, one year salary can be applied for one or two project researchers of doctoral student or post doctoral level. Reasonable sums for traveling and other research expenses can also be included in the application. All the persons to be salaried will be employed by their research organizations, not by the Foundation.
The research group should be truly interdisciplinary and capable of producing results that are relevant in the Finnish political environment. International co-operation and networking are advantageous to the group.
Schedule and instructions
The call will be implemented in two stages. In the first round, applications of intent are submitted through the electronic E-Nessi system by Friday 16th September 2011 at 16.00. The projects that are requested to submit full applications for the second round are selected by the end of October. Full applications will be submitted in December 2011 following separate instructions.
On the ‘Make an application’ screen in E-Nessi the option ‘Special call on ecosystem services’ must be selected. When applicable, the general instructions for making an application are followed.
At least the following documents must be attached to an application of intent: 1) research plan not longer than two pages 2) CVs and lists of publications of all researchers to be salaried 3) PhD study plans for researchers performing doctoral studies.
The research plan has to include the heading of project, specific objectives, methods and implementation, connections to domestic and international research projects, reasoned financial plan (overhead expense being max. 15% of research expenses) and the plan for dissemination of research findings (publications, workshops, etc.).
An advisory group representing the Foundation and other environmental organisations will be named for the project to be financed.
Further information from Päivi Tikka, the head of research at Maj and Tor Nessling Foundation: telephone +358 9 4332 5511, gsm +358 50 380 7887, email paivi.tikka@nessling.fi