Foundation for Research on Biodiversity
The Fondation pour la recherche sur la biodiversité (FRB) is a French scientific cooperation foundation that coordinates biodiversity research among public institutions, government agencies, and corporate patrons, and serves as France's national interface for IPBES and the Convention on Biological Diversity.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2008
- HeadquartersParis, France
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Foundation for Research on Biodiversity does
The Fondation pour la recherche sur la biodiversité (FRB) is a French scientific cooperation foundation (Fondation de coopération scientifique, FCS) created by government decree on 3 March 2008 and headquartered at 195 rue Saint-Jacques, Paris. It operates as a coordination platform that brings together France's principal public biodiversity research institutions (CNRS, MNHN, INRAE, IRD, Cirad, Ifremer, Ineris, Université Montpellier), government agencies (MESR, OFB), and a small set of corporate patrons (notably LVMH, which joined the Board of Directors in January 2015), and links them to international scientific assessment bodies, primarily IPBES and the Convention on Biological Diversity, alongside which it represents France in the CDB scientific body alongside MNHN.
FRB's core operational assets are the Cesab (Centre de synthèse de la FRB), an internationally recognized center for data and knowledge synthesis hosting working groups, Cesabinars, and training programs; the Proches community mobilization platform; Biodiversité ! Le Média, a science-to-public media outlet; and a boutique en ligne selling publications and syntheses. It runs a portfolio of research programs (Scénario #2 on territorial transitions, Pressions anthropiques with the OFB, France Filière Pêche-funded marine work, and a pesticide-biodiversity study with LPO since 2023), manages recurring scientific awards (Prix Jeune chercheur across two editions in 2018 and 2020, Bourse Barbault et Weber, Fronts de sciences), and participates in European networks (BiodivERsA, Eklipse).
FRB's revenue model is institutional rather than commercial: it collects recurring contributions from founding member institutions and government grants (its principal 'subscription' stream), supplemented by donations through the 'Je donne' campaign, corporate sponsorship of programs such as the Prix Jeune chercheur, and revenue from its online boutique. Its go-to-market is event- and community-led, anchored on the annual Journée FRB, scientific plenaries, and ongoing coordination of expert reviews for IPBES and CDB. The foundation employs between 11 and 50 staff, with Hélène Soubelet serving as Directrice since April 2017, Denis Couvet as Président, and Rémi Luglia appointed to lead the Strategic Orientation Council for the 2026-2029 mandate.
Foundation for Research on Biodiversity firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Foundation for Research on Biodiversity
- Legal name
- Fondation pour la recherche sur la biodiversité (FRB)
- Website
- https://fondationbiodiversite.fr
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2008
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- The Fondation pour la recherche sur la biodiversité (FRB) is a French scientific cooperation foundation that coordinates biodiversity research among public institutions, government agencies, and corporate patrons, and serves as France's national interface for IPBES and the Convention on Biological Diversity.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Foundation for Research on Biodiversity industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Biodiversity Research Coordination
- NAICS
- Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), Environmental Consulting Services (54162)
- SIC
- Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Research & Science Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAI)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Biodiversity Baseline Studies & Long-Term Monitoring Programs (EUAHAHAE), Sustainability & ESG Consulting (BPAHACAK), ESG, Sustainability & Impact Research (BPAHALAL)
Keywords
Where Foundation for Research on Biodiversity is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Paris
- HQ country
- France
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Foundation for Research on Biodiversity business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Institutional funding: The foundation collects funds from public and private partners to finance research projects of scientific excellence with strong societal resonance. It receives support from founding member institutions including Cirad, CNRS, Ifremer, Ineris, Inrae, IRD, MNHN, Université Montpellier, as well as the Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR), and private companies like LVMH.
- Donations and charitable contributions: The foundation solicits public donations through its 'Je donne' campaign, enabling individuals to support biodiversity research.
- Publication sales: The foundation publishes and sells books and scientific media through its online boutique (Biodiversité ! Le Média, scientific reports, syntheses), transmitting research results to a wider audience.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Donations (voluntary contributions via 'Je donne' campaign) |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
Foundation for Research on Biodiversity product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Foundation for Research on Biodiversity (FRB) coordinates biodiversity research between French and international scientific institutions and societal stakeholders. It funds research through calls for proposals, hosts the Cesab data and knowledge synthesis center, produces independent scientific assessments for IPBES and the Convention on Biological Diversity, and disseminates research through its media platform, online bookstore, and community platform Proches.
Product overview
The Foundation for Research on Biodiversity (FRB) is a scientific cooperation foundation that operates as a platform connecting biodiversity researchers with societal actors. Its core offerings include Cesab (a synthesis center for data and knowledge), Biodiversité ! Le Média (an outreach media platform), an online bookstore for publications, the Proches community platform, and annual events like the Journée FRB. The foundation acts as a coordination body rather than a traditional software product company.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Cesab (Centre de synthèse de la FRB) An internationally recognized center dedicated to data and knowledge synthesis on biodiversity, hosting working groups, scientific seminars (Cesabinars), and training programs for biodiversity researchers. It is operated as a wholly-owned core subsidiary of the FRB.
- Biodiversité ! Le Média A science-media outlet operated by the FRB that publishes articles, interviews, dossiers, and multimedia content translating biodiversity research findings for the general public and broader societal audience.
- Boutique en ligne (Online bookstore) An online store operated by the FRB where it publishes and sells books, scientific reports, syntheses, and educational materials on biodiversity research, transmitting research outputs to a wider audience.
- Proches Platform A community mobilization platform connecting researchers and societal stakeholders (companies, NGOs, citizens) involved in biodiversity research, enabling them to engage with FRB's research and action programs.
- FRB Research Programs and Calls for Proposals Coordinated research programs and calls for proposals funded by FRB and its institutional partners, including the Scénario #2 program on territorial transitions, the Pressions anthropiques program co-funded with OFB, the FRB-Cesab / France Filière Pêche call, and European BiodivERsA calls. These programs fund biodiversity research excellence with societal resonance.
- Independent Scientific Analyses for IPBES and CDB Independent scientific analyses and review processes coordinated by FRB for international biodiversity assessment bodies, including IPBES and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CDB), supporting French ministries during plenaries and mobilizing French experts for global assessments.
- FRB Training and Interventions Program Training programs, scientific interventions, and educational activities delivered by FRB for researchers and stakeholders, including Cesabinars on biodiversity research methods and methodological workshops.
Quantifiable outcome
- 22 young researchers awarded across two editions of the Prix Jeune chercheur (2018 and 2020)
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Foundation for Research on Biodiversity
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Foundation for Research on Biodiversity technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
Foundation for Research on Biodiversity partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- BiodivERsAcoreBiodivERsA is a European network for biodiversity research that the FRB co-leads and participates in. The partnership enables joint calls for proposals (e.g., with Water JPI on ecosystem restoration), strategic positioning notes, and coordination of European biodiversity research infrastructure mapping. The FRB plays an active role in BiodivERsA's working groups and joint initiatives.
- IPBES (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services)flagshipThe FRB serves as the French national interface for IPBES, mobilizing French researchers and stakeholders for IPBES assessments, coordinating the French IPBES Committee, communicating assessments in French, and accompanying ministries during plenary sessions. It coordinates expert reviews and contributes to international biodiversity assessments.
- Convention on Biological Diversity (CDB) / Kunming-Montréal FrameworkflagshipAlongside the MNHN, the FRB represents France in the scientific body of the Convention on Biological Diversity, promotes French research internationally, and coordinates stakeholder mobilization at the European level in support of the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework.
- France Filière PêchecoreFrance Filière Pêche co-funds the FRB-Cesab / France Filière Pêche call for projects, supporting research on marine ecosystems and fishing impacts on biodiversity. The project Maestro (on climate change effects on marine communities) was selected through this partnership.
- CNRS (Centre national de la recherche scientifique)coreOne of the founding member institutions of the FRB. CNRS contributes research expertise, participates in Cesab working groups, and collaborates on national and European biodiversity research programs.
- MNHN (Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle)coreFounding member institution and key partner in representing France in the Convention on Biological Diversity. MNHN collaborates with FRB on scientific assessments, IPBES participation, and biodiversity research coordination.
- INRAE (Institut national de recherche pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement)coreFounding member institution contributing expertise in agriculture, food systems, and environment interfaces with biodiversity. INRAE researchers participate in FRB programs including the Scénario #2 program on territorial transitions.
- IRD (Institut de recherche pour le développement)coreFounding member institution contributing international development and biodiversity research expertise, including work in tropical regions and developing countries.
- Office français de la biodiversité (OFB)coreCo-funds the FRB-MTE-OFB program on 'Pressions anthropiques et impacts sur la biodiversité terrestre' (Anthropogenic pressures and terrestrial biodiversity impacts), which has funded multiple research projects from 2021–2023.
- EklipseminorThe FRB is a member of the Eklipse network, which mobilizes expert groups to produce synthesis documents on complex biodiversity topics. Originally EU-funded until November 2020, Eklipse is now managed by Alternet (European science-policy interface on biodiversity).
- CiradcoreFounding member institution of the FRB, contributing expertise on agriculture, biodiversity, and developing country research.
- IfremercoreFounding member institution of the FRB, contributing marine and coastal biodiversity research expertise.
- IneriscoreIneris became a founding member of the FRB in December 2016, contributing expertise on environmental risks and biodiversity impacts.
- Université MontpelliercoreFounding member institution of the FRB, contributing academic research expertise and hosting FRB activities.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Foundation for Research on Biodiversity competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- The Nature Conservancy: The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization conducting applied biodiversity research and policy work. Its science-policy interface function is comparable to FRB's, though at much larger scale and with a more applied conservation mandate.
- World Wildlife Fund (WWF): WWF is a global NGO that funds and conducts biodiversity research and policy advocacy. Although it operates primarily as an advocacy/conservation organization rather than research coordinator, it overlaps with FRB's role in bridging science and society on biodiversity issues.
- IPBES (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services): IPBES is the global intergovernmental body that FRB interfaces with for France. While FRB coordinates French input to IPBES, IPBES itself produces global biodiversity assessments, making it the direct upstream counterpart and the most comparable institutional peer at international scale.
- IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature): IUCN is the international authority on biodiversity conservation, producing Red Lists and global biodiversity assessments. Its broader scope and global membership make it a larger incumbent that overlaps with FRB's science-policy interface mission but operates at much greater scale.
Direct peers
- INRAE: INRAE is a founding member of FRB and one of Europe's leading research institutions on agriculture, food, and environment. Its deep involvement in FRB's Scénario #2 program and biodiversity research coordination places it as a direct peer in cross-disciplinary biodiversity synthesis work.
- CNRS (Centre national de la recherche scientifique): CNRS is a founding member institution of FRB and France's largest public research organization. Their shared mandate to coordinate and conduct biodiversity research across France, including through Cesab working groups and IPBES reviews, makes CNRS a direct operational peer.
- Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle (MNHN): The MNHN is both a founding member and the closest institutional peer of FRB. They co-represent France in the Convention on Biological Diversity scientific body and collaborate closely on biodiversity research, public outreach, and scientific assessments, making MNHN FRB's most structurally comparable counterpart.
- BiodivERsA: BiodivERsA is the European network for biodiversity research funding that FRB co-leads. They jointly run calls for proposals (e.g., Water JPI on ecosystem restoration) and coordinate European biodiversity research infrastructure mapping, making BiodivERsA a structurally overlapping coordination platform.
Emerging players
- GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility): GBIF is the international open-data infrastructure for biodiversity occurrence records. Its focus on biodiversity data infrastructure overlaps with FRB's Cesab synthesis center and broader biodiversity data coordination activities, making it a complementary peer.
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ): UFZ is a German research center conducting integrated environmental research, including biodiversity studies. Comparable to FRB's coordinator role but operating as an in-house research institution rather than a national coordination foundation; provides a useful benchmark for European counterparts.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Foundation for Research on Biodiversity social profiles
Digital presenceFoundation for Research on Biodiversity financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Foundation for Research on Biodiversity leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
Foundation for Research on Biodiversity subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Foundation for Research on Biodiversity funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
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Foundation for Research on Biodiversity M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Foundation for Research on Biodiversity
What does Foundation for Research on Biodiversity do?
The Foundation for Research on Biodiversity (FRB) coordinates biodiversity research between French and international scientific institutions and societal stakeholders. It funds research through calls for proposals, hosts the Cesab data and knowledge synthesis center, produces independent scientific assessments for IPBES and the Convention on Biological Diversity, and disseminates research through its media platform, online bookstore, and community platform Proches.
Is Foundation for Research on Biodiversity a public or private company?
Foundation for Research on Biodiversity is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Foundation for Research on Biodiversity founded?
Foundation for Research on Biodiversity was founded in 2008. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Foundation for Research on Biodiversity based?
Foundation for Research on Biodiversity is headquartered in Paris, France, in the Europe region.
How does Foundation for Research on Biodiversity make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Institutional funding is the primary driver. The others are donations and charitable contributions and publication sales.
Who are Foundation for Research on Biodiversity's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are The Nature Conservancy, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), IPBES (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) and IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Direct peers are INRAE, CNRS (Centre national de la recherche scientifique), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle (MNHN) and BiodivERsA. Emerging players are GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility) and Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ).
Does Foundation for Research on Biodiversity have an API?
No public API is recorded for Foundation for Research on Biodiversity.
What industry is Foundation for Research on Biodiversity in?
Foundation for Research on Biodiversity's product category is Biodiversity Research Coordination. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAKAI, Research & Science Grantmaking Foundations, with a secondary code of EUAHAHAE, Biodiversity Baseline Studies & Long-Term Monitoring Programs. Its NAICS code is 5417 and its SIC code is 8731.