Talking Trees - Prequel

Talking Trees with Lily and Jad . Welcome to Talking Trees . This is a sneak peek into our new podcast series , where Lily and Jad will explore all things arboriculture , trees and the green spaces that connect us . Our first full episode will air on December 1st , but we couldn't wait to share this urgent news with you .

Hey tree fans , you won't believe this . We have a pretty amazing opportunity to talk about today . It's a chance to be a part of cutting-edge arboriculture research .

Oh wow , I'm definitely interested . What did you find ?

Well , the European Arboricultural Council .

The EAC .

Yeah , the EAC . They just opened applications for their R&D grant scheme . We're talking a grant , potentially €10000 euro to make a real difference for trees . Can you imagine getting that for your research ?

That would be incredible . It's like they're saying come help us shape the future of tree care . The whole mission of the EAC is to foster innovation in arboriculture , to connect the theory with the boots on the ground .

Exactly . To give everyone an idea of what's possible , maybe we can look at the winners from last year .

There was one focused on managing sooty bark disease in maples , which is a huge threat .

Oh , I've been reading about that . It's scary how much damage it can do .

Yeah , it's a serious problem , but what's so cool is how this research is a direct attack on that threat .

Okay , interesting . What was the other one ?

Well , the other project was all about veteranization , basically figuring out how to help young trees develop the characteristics of those old veteran trees , which is so important for biodiversity .

So one project is about tackling a threat , the other one's about enriching our ecosystems . Very different approaches , but both are critical to having healthy trees in the long run .

It really shows just how broad the possibilities are with this grant scheme . It reflects the real diversity of challenges and of opportunities in arboriculture today .

Okay , so let's get into some of the details .

The EAC just announced that applications for the 2025 grant cycle are going to open in January .

That's right around the corner . So if you're thinking about applying , you've got to start getting your . That's right around the corner . So if you're thinking about applying , you got to start getting your ideas together now .

Yeah , absolutely .

Any idea what the focus is going to be for the 2025 cycle ?

They haven't said yet , which is actually good news . It means they're open to all sorts of proposals , as long as it has to do with advancing arboriculture . You know research and practice .

So if you're into tree biomechanics , urban forestry , pest management , whatever , there's probably a place for you .

Exactly . They're looking for innovation , rigor and impact .

Yeah .

They want to see projects that are asking the right questions , using the right tools and ultimately helping our trees to be healthier and more resilient , more diverse .

And the EAC is really transparent about how they choose the winners , right ? Oh , yeah , for sure .

They have really clear guidelines .

Okay .

So applicants know exactly what the judges are looking for , and they even have this pre-proposal consultation service .

What's that ?

So if you're not sure if your project is a good fit , you can send them a quick outline and they'll give you feedback before you spend all that time on the full application .

That's awesome it is . Takes the guesswork out Exactly yeah .

Oh , and one more thing , if you're thinking of applying .

Yeah .

Don't forget to collaborate .

Okay .

Reach out to your colleagues , researchers , other organizations who might have you know expertise that you don't have . The most successful projects usually involve partnerships .

Right , so you're bringing in different perspectives .

Exactly Different skills . Yeah , it's all about building those bridges .

How much are these grants and what's the timeline looking like ?

There are two grants available , each worth 10,000 euro , and it sounds like the EAC wants a lot of different kinds of people to apply to .

Yeah , they're looking for people from all walks of arboriculture . It's not just limited to academics or large institutions .

You could have self-employed arborists , students , companies , nonprofits , research institutions all eligible .

Wow , that's amazing . It really opens the door for anyone who has a great idea and wants to make a real difference . I'm sure there's some rules , though . What makes someone eligible ?

Sure , there are a few things Like you can't apply if you're under 18 .

Right , that makes sense .

And also , if you already have an ongoing EAC-funded project , you have to wait until it's finished to apply for another one .

Okay , so that keeps things fair and gives everyone a shot . You mentioned something about scoring before . What was that about ?

Oh right , If you applied last year and your proposal got a score lower than 60 percent , you can't apply this time .

So they want to ensure a high quality of research . I get it .

Exactly .

I wonder what kind of feedback people who didn't make the cut get .

Hmm , I'm not sure . Actually , maybe we should look into that on the EAC website .

Good idea , speaking of which , we should tell our listeners to check out the website . It has all the info on the grant scheme , the application process , even tips on writing a successful proposal . We'll put the link in the show notes .

It's a really great resource , even if you're not planning to apply . Just skimming their guidelines will give you a sense of what's happening in the world of arboriculture research today .

It's a window into the cutting edge , so even if you don't apply , you're still getting a pretty good deep dive into Arboriculture .

So the application itself is actually pretty user-friendly , but there are definitely some sections that need more attention than others .

And that's what I always find fascinating Like you can have the most brilliant idea in the world , but if you don't know how to explain it to the people reviewing these applications .

Yeah , that's the key , and luckily the EAC gives everyone a template to help them structure their proposal . I think one of the most crucial sections is the project description . This is where you really have to make your case .

So it can't be just . Oh , I want to study this cool thing about trees .

Definitely not . You have to connect your idea to the bigger picture . How will it affect tree health ? What about sustainability ? What does it mean for the future of arboriculture ?

I see so the reviewers are looking for proposals that really show a deep understanding of how this research could make a difference and how it fits into the overall goals of the EAC .

Exactly . Now , what about the methodology section ? That's where things can get a bit tricky , right yeah .

I bet it gets pretty technical .

It can , but the main thing is to be clear . You need to explain your research plan in a way that the reviewers can easily grasp , even if they're not specialists in your specific field .

So avoid using too much jargon and keep the language simple and straightforward when you're describing the steps you'll take in your research .

Right , and visuals can be really helpful too . Think charts , diagrams , anything that helps get your research plan across more effectively .

Makes sense . A picture's worth a thousand words , especially with complex research . So what about the expected outcomes ? How specific do you need to be there ?

Well , this is where you paint a picture of success . What are the tangible results you anticipate ? Will you discover new knowledge or create new tools ? Ask yourself if your research is successful , what will change ? What will be the concrete impact ?

I like that . That's a great way to approach it . And of course , you can't forget the budget and timeline right .

Definitely not . No matter how amazing the research is , it has to be doable with the time and money available . The EAC wants to see that you've thought carefully about how you'll use that 10,000 euro and that your plan is realistic within the given time frame .

So no overly ambitious plans with impossible goals and budgets that are way too big .

A little ambition is good , sure , but it's got to be realistic too .

So , just to recap , this is an amazing opportunity for anyone who cares about trees and research . The EAC R&D grant scheme is open to all kinds of people and , even though the application process is pretty rigorous , they do offer a lot of support along the way .

It's all about pushing the boundaries of what we know and working towards a healthier future for trees .

It really is , and now that we've talked about how to apply , I'm curious about what happens next , like what's the process like for reviewing all these proposals ?

So once the proposals are in , they go through a very thorough review . The EAC has a whole panel of experts from different areas of arboriculture who look at every single submission .

Wow , that's pretty impressive .

Yeah , and they're looking for proposals that are well-researched , innovative and that have a real chance of making a difference .

It seems like they have a really good system for ensuring that the money goes to the best research projects possible .

What happens if ?

someone's proposal isn't selected .

Even if a proposal doesn't get funding , the feedback from the review panel can be incredibly valuable .

Oh , interesting .

Yeah , it can help researchers strengthen their research plan , refine their ideas and maybe even realize that there's a different direction they could go in .

So it's not a failure , it's more like a learning opportunity . Yeah , exactly , that's a great way to look at it . So for those who do get selected , that's when the real excitement begins right .

Absolutely Time to put those research plans into action .

I bet that's an incredible feeling . Does the EAC provide any support once the grant has been awarded ?

Oh , yeah , definitely . They offer guidance and resources to the people they've given grants to throughout the entire research process .

So they're there every step of the way .

Right . They even create opportunities for researchers to connect with others who are working in similar areas , so there's a real sense of community and collaboration .

So it's not like they just hand you the money and say good luck . It sounds like they're really invested in the success of these projects and want to see them through .

Absolutely . And then , at the end of the grant period , the researchers have to submit a final report that summarizes their findings , any challenges they faced and the overall impact of their research .

So it's a way of keeping everyone accountable and making sure that the knowledge gained is shared with the wider arboriculture community right .

Exactly , and the EAC often publishes summaries of these final reports on their website so that everyone can learn from the research .

That's fantastic , because it means that even if you're not directly involved in the research , you can still benefit from the results .

Right , everyone wins .

Yeah , yeah . Just you know , looking at last year's winners I think gives you a pretty good idea of the caliber of research that the EAC is looking to support .

Exactly so . One of the winning projects focused on management and dispersal of sooty bark disease of maple . Now , I know that this is a growing concern , but what makes studying this disease so complex ? What specific challenges might these researchers be tackling ?

Well , sooty bark disease is tricky because it's caused by a fungus that's spread by a beetle , so you're dealing with the interaction of two different organisms , which you know adds a whole other layer of complexity to understanding the disease's life cycle and how to effectively manage it .

Oh , so it's like a detective story trying to piece together the clues and , you know , stop the spread Now . The other winning project was on veteranization .

Yes .

And this one kind of caught my eye right away .

Yeah , it's a fascinating topic .

It is . They're evaluating the potential of artificially creating microhabitats in young trees . Right .

In many parts of Europe we've lost so many ancient trees , and you in young trees . Right In many parts of Europe we've lost so many ancient trees , and these ancient trees they provide vital habitats . And because of that loss there's a real shortage of these habitats , and so this veteranization aims to kind of accelerate that process .

So you're trying to give a boost to biodiversity ? Exactly so they're trying to create those nooks and crannies that insects and fungi love ? Yes , but in a fraction of the time .

Yeah , exactly .

It's amazing to think that somewhere in Europe right now , there's a researcher with like a groundbreaking idea that could , you know , change how we care for trees . Yeah , for generations to come . And thanks to the EAC , that idea could become a reality .

It really could .

And thanks to the EAC , that idea could become a reality . It really could . I'm definitely going

Yeah , me too . Yeah , it's exciting to think about the potential breakthroughs that might emerge from these grants . Yeah , who knows what the future holds for arboriculture ?

Yeah , I think it's time for us to wrap up this deep dive into European arboriculture research . It's been a pleasure . Likewise , to our listeners , thanks for joining us . We hope you found it as enlightening as we did , and remember , if you have a groundbreaking idea , the EAC wants to hear from you . Don't miss this chance to make a difference .

Thanks for tuning in . If you're passionate about trees and arboriculture , don't miss our brand new podcast Talking Trees with hosts Lily and Jad , starting December 1st . Catch each episode wherever you listen to podcasts . See you there .