First FOREST Partnership Joint Call launches with up to €40 million for transnational forest research and innovation

FORESTPathways brings together 36 research funding organisations from 27 countries to support collaborative research and innovation for resilient forests and sustainable forest-based futures

15 September 2026

The European Partnership FOrests, forestry, and the forest-based sector: REsearch and innovation for a Sustainable Transition (FOREST) has today launched its first Joint Call for transnational research and innovation projects.

Entitled FORESTPathways – Building Knowledge and Solutions for Resilient Forests and Sustainable Forest-Based Futures, the call brings together 36 Research Funding Organisations from 27 countries, with an indicative total public funding commitment of up to €40 million, including the European Union co-contribution.

The call marks an important milestone for the FOREST Partnership, which commenced on 1 June 2026 and brings together organisations from across Europe and beyond to coordinate research and innovation for forests, forestry and the forest-based sector.

Mika Kallio, Coordinator of the FOREST Partnership, said:

FORESTPathways is an important first step in translating the ambitions of the FOREST Partnership into concrete action. By bringing together funding organisations and research communities across countries and connecting research communities across disciplines and sectors, this first Joint Call creates a unique opportunity to generate the knowledge, innovations and collaborations needed for resilient forests and a sustainable and a sustainable and competitive forest-based sector.

Many of the challenges facing forests today do not stop at national borders. Through FOREST, we can pool expertise and resources and investments, strengthen collaboration and ensure that research and innovation contribute to the long-term resilience and sustainability of forests and the wider forest-based sector.

A broad call across forests, forestry and the forest-based sector

FORESTPathways has been designed to address research and innovation needs across the forest system while encouraging collaboration across disciplines, sectors and national borders.

Proposals are invited under four topics:

  • TOPIC 1 – Climate-Resilient Forest Systems (“How forests function and respond to climate change”). 
  • TOPIC 2 – Adaptive and Multifunctional Forest Management Systems (“How forests should be managed under changing conditions”) 
  • TOPIC 3 – Timber and Innovative Wood-Based Products (“How wood is transformed into innovative products”) 
  • TOPIC 4 – Forest Value Chains, Markets and Governance (“How forest-based sectors, markets and governance are organised”) .

FORESTPathways will operate as a two-stage call, with successful projects expected to commence in the first half of 2028.


FOREST Joint Call 2026 – FORESTPathways

Call opens: 15 September 2026
Call closes: 02 December 2026 (13:00 CET)

Links and Downloads

Call Related Webinars/Events

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will the webinar be recorded and made available afterwards?

Yes, the webinar will be recorded. Additionally it will be possible to ask questions via the call office if anything remains unclear.

Does agroforestry fit the call?

Agroforestry can be within the scope of the call, provided that the proposed research clearly addresses the objectives and scope. In particular, agroforestry approaches related to climate resilience, multifunctional land and forest management, ecosystem services or forest-based value chains may be relevant.

Are governance, policy and regulatory issues eligible?

Yes. Systemic, governance, policy, institutional and socio-economic aspects can also be addressed, particularly under Topic 4, Forest Value Chains, Markets and Governance, and where relevant under Topics 1 and 2.

Can projects address several disciplines and topics?

We strongly encourage cross-sectoral, interdisciplinary and integrated approaches. Submissions must be made under one topic which is deemed to be the singularly most relevant.

Is applied research / RIA eligible?

Yes. The call supports research and innovation activities, and applied research is clearly within its overall scope.

What is the expected balance between fundamental research, field experimentation and near-market innovation?

There is no need for every proposal to have the same balance between basic research, long-term field experiments and innovation.

Can SMEs and start-ups participate?

Yes, SMEs and start-ups may participate where they meet the eligibility requirements of the relevant national/regional funding organisation.

Can forest owners, civil protection authorities and citizen organisations participate?

Potentially yes. The FOREST Partnership is intended to involve not only research organisations but also practitioners, public authorities, industry, civil society and other relevant stakeholders.

Can young researchers without a permanent position participate?

Potentially yes, but eligibility is determined at organisation level and according to the national/regional funding rules.

Applicants should check this with their national funding organisation before submission.

What is the focus for tropical forest countries?

The call is not restricted to European forest types. Projects addressing tropical forests can be relevant where they contribute to the objectives of the four topics and involve eligible partners.

Can remote sensing and forest monitoring be included?

Yes. Remote sensing, satellite data, forest monitoring can be relevant.

Are innovative wood products such as modified wood, sensors, insulation and medical applications eligible?

Potentially yes. Timber and Innovative Wood-Based Products is one of the four main topics.

Can projects address urban forests?

Yes, urban and peri-urban forests can potentially be addressed.

How will financial reporting work?

The FOREST Joint Call uses a national/regional funding model. Each consortium participant is funded by the funding organisation from its own country/region and is therefore subject to the applicable national/regional funding rules.

What is the timeline for the 2026 call?

Official call launch     15 September 2026

Information webinar   17 September 2026

Partnering workshop, Brussels           30 September 2026

Networking webinar   6 October 2026

 For further information on the call please contact the FOREST Joint Call 2026 Call Office: 

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