Deadline: 7 September 2025

The Ebbe Nielsen Challenge, boosted by the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), aims to reward innovative applications of open-access biodiversity data by scientists, informaticians, data modellers, cartographers and other experts. It recognises outstanding contributions to biodiversity informatics while honouring the legacy of Dr Ebbe Nielsen, a Danish entomologist and one of the principal founders of GBIF. There is a total fund of €20,000 to be distributed as prizes.

The Challenge calls for innovative tools, both new and existing, that leverage biodiversity data from the GBIF network to advance open science in support of research and policy. Challenge entrants must detail the unique tools and inventive techniques they have developed or improved to increase the accessibility, quality and usefulness of open biodiversity data. Entries may detail newly developed functional prototypes, tools and techniques or existing ones whose capabilities and features have been improved or extended. Entries should benefit multiple GBIF constituencies, including data users, data holders and data managers.

The Challenge is open to individuals, teams, companies, and governmental agencies. Entrants can be based in any country worldwide.

Each submission must include both a video demonstration and a written description. If you are considering applying, CESAM may help you with the video!

Additional information and previous awardees can be found here.