Ireland’s FORESTPathways research call is opening a new route for universities and public research organisations to help shape the future of European forestry. The initiative will support international projects focused on climate resilience, sustainable forest management, innovative wood products and stronger forest-based economies.
FORESTPathways research call opens under Horizon Europe
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has invited eligible Irish Research Performing Organisations (RPOs) to submit joint proposals under the first 2026 FOREST Partnership call, titled “FORESTPathways: Building Knowledge and Solutions for Resilient Forests and Sustainable Forest-Based Futures”.
The wider FOREST Partnership will run from 2026 to 2036 and coordinate research and innovation investment across Europe. Its overall programme is expected to represent approximately €240 million in national and European funding. The first joint call involves 38 funding organisations from 28 countries and has an indicative budget of more than €40 million, including the European Union contribution.
Four priorities for sustainable forest research
The FORESTPathways research call is designed to encourage international, cross-sectoral and multidisciplinary collaboration. Irish researchers can apply across all four research areas:
- Climate-resilient forest systems: examining how forests function and respond to climate change.
- Adaptive and multifunctional management: developing management approaches for changing environmental and social conditions.
- Timber and innovative wood-based products: exploring new ways to transform wood into sustainable products.
- Forest value chains, markets and governance: studying the organisation of forest industries, markets and decision-making.
The focus reflects growing pressure on forests from climate change, biodiversity challenges, market shifts and the need to develop sustainable materials. It also supports research that can improve the resilience, competitiveness and long-term sustainability of forestry and forest-dependent sectors.
Irish funding and eligibility details
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will provide up to €650,000 for Irish participation in a maximum of two projects. Funding is capped at €325,000 per project.
Potential applicants include:
- Universities and other higher education institutions
- Public research institutions
- Eligible Research Performing Organisations
Applicants must satisfy the international call conditions, national eligibility requirements and the additional provisions set out in the Irish National Annex.
Key dates for applicants
The international information webinar is scheduled for 17 September 2026 at 9am. The pre-proposal deadline is Tuesday, 2 December 2026. Submissions must be made electronically through the FOREST Partnership submission platform.
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What should Irish organisations do next?
Interested organisations should review the complete call announcement, national guidance and eligibility rules before forming a consortium. Early engagement with international partners will be important because the programme is intended to build collaborative projects rather than standalone national research.
Questions can be sent to the FOREST call office at calloffice-jc2026@forest-partnership.eu or to research@agriculture.gov.ie. Further information, application documents and submission instructions are available through the official FOREST Partnership call website.
Key takeaway
The FORESTPathways research call gives Irish research organisations an opportunity to contribute to Europe-wide solutions for resilient forests and sustainable forest-based futures. With up to €650,000 available for Irish participation, eligible applicants should begin partnership-building and proposal planning well ahead of the December deadline.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
