The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) is an international network and data infrastructure dedicated to providing open access to biodiversity data. Funded by governments worldwide, GBIF enables researchers, policymakers, and the public to access and utilize data on various life forms across the planet. By fostering data-sharing collaboration, GBIF enhances biodiversity research, conservation efforts, and informed decision-making.

With a commitment to open science, GBIF facilitates the discovery, access, and use of global biodiversity data through its extensive database and digital infrastructure. It supports research in ecology, conservation, and environmental policy by offering a freely accessible and standardized platform for biodiversity information. The organization collaborates with institutions, governments, and organizations to ensure biodiversity data remains widely available for scientific and policy applications.

GBIF’s initiatives, such as funding opportunities, innovation challenges, and collaborative programs, encourage the development of digital tools that harness biodiversity data for research and conservation. By integrating technology with environmental science, GBIF strengthens the global understanding of biodiversity trends, species distribution, and ecological changes. Through its ongoing efforts, GBIF plays a crucial role in advancing global biodiversity knowledge and supporting sustainable environmental management.

The Ebbe Nielsen Challenge 2025 invites innovators to develop new or improve existing digital tools that leverage biodiversity data from the GBIF network. The goal is to advance open science by providing tools that enhance research, policy-making, and data accessibility.

This challenge encourages scientists, developers, and data enthusiasts to create solutions that maximize the use of biodiversity data in research, conservation, and decision-making processes. Whether through machine learning, data visualization, analytical frameworks, or integration techniques, participants are expected to present groundbreaking approaches to utilizing biodiversity data effectively.

Entries will be evaluated by an expert jury based on their relevance, novelty, and technical quality. The most impactful submissions will be selected as winners, sharing a total prize pool of up to €20,000. This challenge provides an opportunity for individuals and teams to contribute significantly to biodiversity informatics while gaining global recognition for their innovations.

By promoting digital advancements in biodiversity research, the Ebbe Nielsen Challenge aims to enhance scientific collaboration, improve data accessibility, and support the development of sustainable environmental policies. Participants can explore various aspects of biodiversity data utilization, including AI integration, visualization tools, and geospatial analytics.