Better outcomes for nature start with better selection and execution of the right methods

M4Nature develops an accessible and interactive framework to guide researchers and practitioners in selecting and implementing the most appropriate sequence of methods for tackling biodiversity challenges at the science-policy interface.

Partners

External Experts

+ 0

A growing community of researchers, practitioners, and policy specialists shaping biodiversity methodology.

Now recruiting

Knowledge Exchange Network (Methods KEN)

Biodiversity Knowledge Synthesis at Hand

We’re moving beyond single-method frameworks to method bundling—strategic combinations of methods tailored to tackle specific biodiversity challenges.

01.

Integrated Guidance

Framework for selecting complementary method combinations, not isolated tools

02.

AI-Assisted Efficiency

Automated literature screening reduces initial scoping time from weeks to days

03.

Interactive Application

User-friendly web tool (M4Nature app) guides real-time decision-making

04.

Evidence-Based Design

Co-created with experts through rigorous Delphi methodology

Overcoming decision making challenges for biodiversity methods

Biodiversity decisions often rely on incomplete methodological approaches:

Cost Over Rigor

Budget constraints drive method selection rather than scientific suitability

Single Method Limitation

Complex biodiversity challenges demand comprehensive approaches, yet practitioners default to familiar individual methods

Knowledge Gaps

Limited awareness of methodological strengths, weaknesses, and complementarities

Quantitative Bias

Overreliance on hard data overlooks valuable qualitative and participatory methods

Four Work Streams, One Coherent Framework

M4Nature operates through four integrated work packages, each building toward a comprehensive methodological infrastructure:

Building Knowledge Exchange Network

Work Package 01

Community of 30+ experts spanning research, policy, and practice. This community provides ongoing guidance, validates project outputs, and ensures long-term sustainability beyond the project lifecycle.

Co-Designing the Framework

Work Package 02

Through a structured Delphi process with 12 expert panelists, we're developing guidance for selecting and combining methods across diverse biodiversity challenges. Four iterative rounds incorporate rapid evidence reviews, analysis of past requests, and community feedback to ensure robust, practical outputs.

AI-Enhanced Efficiency

Work Package 03

Developing open-source large language models to automate time-intensive literature screening. This AI assistant handles initial paper scoping, allowing researchers to focus on in-depth analysis and synthesis significaly reducing response times for urgent requests.

The M4Nature Application

Work Package 04

Translating our framework into an interactive web tool with two core modules:

Module 1: Guides users in selecting optimal method sequences matched to their specific knowledge synthesis needs
Module 2: Provides AI-assisted literature review support

The M4Nature App will be rigorously tested internally and validated by the Delphi panel before public release.

The Result

An accessible, evidence-based tool that empowers science-policy actors to make informed methodological decisions.

M4Nature improves both the quality and efficiency of systematically collecting, evaluating, and combining existing biodiversity knowledge and research to answer a specific question.

Join the Knowledge Exchange Network

Robust methodological guidance can’t emerge from isolated development—it requires collective intelligence from those working at the science-policy interface.

We’re seeking experienced professionals to shape M4Nature’s framework and ensure its real-world applicability.

Who should apply?

Researchers, policymakers, science-policy advisors, and practitioners with expertise in biodiversity assessment methods, knowledge synthesis, or science-policy translation.

Project Launch: January 2026

Project End: January 2027

Project Consortium

Methods for Nature (M4Nature) is a project co-financed by the EU commission and Bioagora to develop an digital advisory tool for selecting appropriate methods to enhance research in biodiversity.