Media Release

Issued by the IPBES Secretariat on 20 May 2022

Financial Contribution to IPBES Fellowship Programme:

The AXA Research Fund Supports Early-Career Involvement in Science-Policy Work

• The AXA Research Fund makes significant financial contribution to the IPBES Fellowship Programme.
• Early-career researchers will be supported to work on IPBES assessments alongside leading global experts.

Bonn, Germany – Today the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) announced a financial contribution to its work on biodiversity science and policy by the AXA Research Fund. This philanthropic arm of the multinational insurance company has committed significant support to the IPBES Fellowship Programme.

The multi-year contribution will be used specifically to support IPBES Fellows working on the IPBES Nexus Assessment, looking at the interlinkages between biodiversity, water, food and health; and on the IPBES Transformative Change Assessment of the underlying causes of biodiversity loss, determinants of transformative change and options for achieving the 2050 Vision for Biodiversity.

Speaking about the contribution, Marie Bogataj, AXA Research Fund and Group Foresight Director, said, “Accelerating science in the field of biodiversity is a key priority for the AXA Research Fund. As such, we have chosen to support the work of IPBES, as the leading interface between the scientific community and policymakers in the field of biodiversity and ecosystem services. The science and evidence that IPBES provides are vital to better inform decision-making on many of the key challenges for our society and planet.”

“Coming just two days before the International Day for Biological Diversity, this commitment underlines the importance of mobilizing resources and action for biodiversity science,” said Dr. Anne Larigauderie, Executive Secretary of IPBES. “With the IPBES Fellowship Programme in particular, these funds will go towards securing the future of biodiversity research. When early-career scientists are given the chance to be mentored by, and to publish with leaders in their fields, it provides an exceptional boost to science and its relevance to policy.”

The IPBES Fellowship Programme offers an opportunity for outstanding early-career individuals from all backgrounds and disciplines working on biodiversity and ecosystem services to participate in IPBES assessments. The Fellows gain first-hand experience of participating in major multidisciplinary scientific assessments while working with, and being mentored by, leading experts. The programme is an integral part of IPBES work on capacity-building, and aims to develop the capacities of Fellows to undertake assessments, creating a pool of experienced experts able to contribute to future assessments and to the work of IPBES in their home regions, countries and institutions.

"The AXA Research Fund provides funding for researchers working on transformative projects in their field and strives  to catalyze a step change in their careers.” added Ms. Bogataj. “We are proud to support the IPBES Fellowship Programme, providing young researchers with an unparalleled opportunity to pursue their work, advance their careers and contribute to scientific progress in the field of biodiversity.”

________________________

About IPBES:

IPBES is an independent intergovernmental body comprising 139 member Governments and many non-governmental observer organisations. Established by Governments in 2012, it provides policymakers with objective scientific assessments about the state of knowledge regarding the planet’s biodiversity, ecosystems and the contributions they make to people, as well as the tools and methods to protect and sustainably use these vital natural assets. For more information about IPBES and its assessments visit www.ipbes.net. Further information about the IPBES Fellowship Programme can be found here. Calls for applications are tied to individual assessments and are published on the IPBES homepage.

About the AXA Research Fund:

AXA’s scientific philanthropy initiative was launched in 2008 based on the conviction that science plays a crucial role in responding to the most important issues facing our planet. Its mission is to support transformative research in key areas related to health, climate & environment, & economic risks. The Fund also helps scientists disseminate their findings to inform public and private decision-making and contribute to societal progress. Since its inception, the AXA Research Fund has committed 250M€ to academic research, and supported nearly 700 projects in over 330 leading academic institutions around the world. More info on www.axa-research.org

FOR ENQUIRIES & INTERVIEWS:

IPBES: [email protected]       

AXA Research Fund: [email protected]