On April 15, 2025, at Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, the PEPR SOLU-BIOD program officially launched two new targeted projects, including the CRESCENDO project.

The CRESCENDO project aims to establish a cluster of doctoral students working collectively on shared scientific questions related to Nature-based Solutions (NbS). The goal is to strengthen research-based training and promote systemic, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary approaches to NbS.

This project is fully aligned with the program’s strategy to build capacity and develop the skills of a new generation of researchers in NbS.

Project Objectives

CRESCENDO aims to:

• build a network of highly qualified doctoral students in NbS,
• promote collaborative work on shared research priorities, integrating the diversity of disciplines and backgrounds,
• strengthen links between doctoral students from different program components (Living Labs, targeted projects, calls for proposals).

Organization and Governance

The CRESCENDO project is coordinated by Cécile Barnaud (INRAE).

It is organized around two main areas:

Priority Area 1 – Supervision of a group of doctoral students working on a shared research topic

Establishment of a cluster of 4 to 8 doctoral students working on a shared research front: what role can collaborative governance modes play in driving Nature-based Solutions that are equitable for both humans and non-humans?

This priority area 1 is co-led by Cécile Barnaud and Isabelle Arpin (INRAE). The doctoral students involved are either directly funded by the CRESCENDO project, which has 4 thesis grants available, or funded by other sources but are fully aligned with the cluster’s scientific objectives.

Priority Area 2 – Transversal animation of the network of doctoral students affiliated with SOLU-BIOD

Development of scientific and collaborative outreach activities for all doctoral students in the program, with the aim of fostering discussion, sharing of methodologies, and the development of collective expertise.

This priority area 2 is co-led by Cécile Barnaud and Nathalie Girard (INRAE). This session is intended for all doctoral students funded by the PEPR SOLU-BIOD, including:

• Doctoral students recruited for the Living Labs,
• Doctoral students recruited for projects resulting from the program’s calls for research proposals,
• Doctoral students recruited the targeted projects (TP) of the PEPR.