Insectopia - call for proposals

The aim of this call is to inspire and support the design and implementation of innovative, multidisciplinary proposals that promote biodiversity on EU GREEN campuses. This call is open to students from all disciplines and levels. Each University will award its winner/s with the participation in the Insectopia retreat in Jarandilla de la Vera (Spain) between June 1st and 6th.

Introduction

The Insectopia Initiative is an exciting new project designed to enhance biodiversity across university campuses within the EU GREEN Alliance. By fostering innovative and sustainable actions to support insect populations, this initiative aims to inspire creative and multidisciplinary approaches that integrate ecological functionality, education, and community engagement. The initiative, launched in January 2025 with a series of webinars led by experts in various insect-related topics, provides participants with inspiration and knowledge to develop their Insectopia proposals.

Between February and April, teams of up to three members will work collaboratively to design their "insect utopias" on each EU GREEN campus. These proposals can include physical habitats or other innovative actions that contribute to biodiversity awareness and education while strengthening campus ecosystems. They should aim to raise awareness, build capacity, and foster engagement and creativity around biodiversity and the essential role of insects, especially wild pollinators, in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

The teams* behind the selected proposals will be awarded participation in the Insectopia Retreat in Spain during the first week of June 2025. This retreat will feature training sessions, cultural activities, and opportunities for collaboration among participants across the alliance.

By combining science, creativity, and collaboration, Insectopia will empower students and local communities to take an active role in shaping sustainable futures while transforming university campuses into vibrant ecosystems, hubs for knowledge exchange, labs and real utopias for insects.

These campuses will serve as lighthouses on the path to a more sustainable world, acting as educational tools and blueprints for future scientists, researchers, and professionals across all disciplines, inspiring them to integrate biodiversity and sustainability into their careers and lives.

*students at the University of Gävle are eligible to the Insectopia Retreat.

Aim of the Call

The aim of this call is to inspire and support the design and implementation of innovative, multidisciplinary proposals that promote biodiversity on EU GREEN campuses. Through this initiative, participants are encouraged to create projects that contribute to the development of insect-friendly spaces—true "insect utopias"—and engage the campus community in biodiversity awareness and action.

Proposals should align with the following objectives:

• Support Local Biodiversity: Develop sustainable, functional environments for insects, with a particular focus on wild pollinators, by providing essential nesting sites, shelter, and food sources.
• Promote Environmental Sustainability: Use natural and/or recycled materials and consider long-term maintenance to ensure sustainable designs and actions.

• Foster Education and Engagement: Incorporate educational components that increase awareness of the importance of insects and their role in biodiversity. Encourage participation and capacity building among students, staff, and the wider campus community.

• Encourage Creativity and Innovation: Embrace creative, science-based, and multidisciplinary approaches, utilizing innovative techniques or technologies, such as sensors for monitoring insect activity or interactive educational tools.

This call is not limited to physical designs or installations. Proposals may also include campaigns, events, or other initiatives that inspire awareness, capacity building, and further actions to foster biodiversity while celebrating the ecological and cultural significance of insects.

Selected projects will serve as flagship initiatives for biodiversity enhancement, showcasing the role of campuses as models of sustainability and inspiring future generations of researchers, professionals, and change-makers.

Target Audience

This call is open to:

• Students from all disciplines and levels.

We encourage the formation of teams to foster innovative designs and ensure diverse perspectives from fields such as biology, environmental science, engineering, arts, architecture and sustainability.

Multidisciplinary teams

This call for proposals is open to teams up to 3 students, with a strong encouragement for collaborative and multidisciplinary submissions that bring together diverse perspectives and expertise.

Teams should aim to integrate expertise from different fields, such as biology, environmental science, architecture, engineering, arts, and other disciplines, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach.

Special recognition will be given to proposals that demonstrate:

• Strong collaboration and integration of diverse expertise.
• Innovative use of –reclycled- materials, technologies, or creative approaches.
• Inclusive and educational elements designed to engage both the campus and local communities.

Budget and roadmap for project implementation

Proposals must include a comprehensive roadmap for project implementation, clearly outlining the key steps, timelines, and milestones.

This roadmap should be structured according to the designated template provided in the submission form and must detail all aspects of project execution.

Additionally, the proposal must include an estimated budget breakdown, specifying expected costs for materials, resources, and other necessary expenses to ensure feasibility and transparency.

Applicants are encouraged to use the provided template to ensure consistency and thoroughness in their submissions.

Submission guidelines

To participate in the Insectopia Initiative, applicants must complete and submit a detailed proposal that aligns with the aims of the initiative. Proposals should adhere to the following guidelines:

Applicants must include the following in their submission:

1. Design Plan: A clear and detailed plan, including sketches, diagrams, or descriptions of the proposed project. This should specify the materials to be used and provide construction or implementation details.

1. Biodiversity Impact: A description of how the project supports insect biodiversity, detailing the types of insects it is designed for and how it meets their ecological needs (e.g., providing shelter, nesting opportunities, or food sources).

1. Sustainability Considerations: An explanation of how the project incorporates sustainable practices, such as the use of natural or recycled materials, and a plan for long-term maintenance.

1. Educational Value: A description of the educational components of the project, outlining how it will engage the campus community, raise awareness, and promote capacity building around biodiversity and the role of insects.

Team Collaboration (for team submissions): An account of how different fields of expertise were integrated into the design process to create a multidisciplinary and innovative proposal.

Submission Process

All proposals must be submitted via the Call for Proposals Form

Proposals should be submitted by 1st of May 2025 23:59 CET. Late submissions will not be considered.

Evaluation Process

Proposals will be evaluated by a jury of experts from each university, based on the following criteria:

• Alignment with the aims and objectives of the initiative.
• Creativity and innovation in design or approach.
• Feasibility of construction, implementation, and long-term maintenance.
• Sustainability, focusing on the use of recycled or natural materials.
• Educational and community engagement value.
• Effective collaboration and integration of diverse perspectives (for team submissions).

Recognition and Awards

• Winning proposals will be recognized and awarded at the installation event by May 20th (World Bee Day)

• Selected designs will be built and installed on university campuses in collaboration with participants and local environmental partners, according to the most suitable times in each campus (climate conditions, specificities of the project and detailed roadmap).

• Certificates of participation will be provided to all contributors, with special awards for innovation, sustainability, and educational impact.

• Awards: Insectopia retreat:
  Each University will award its winner/s with the participation in the Insectopia retreat in Jarandilla de la Vera (Spain) between June 1st and 6th. The retreat includes an official joint training international experience organized by EU GREEN Alliance member, including mobilities.