The monitoring and evaluation framework for grant-making and empowerment activities under NexusNet aims to assess the distribution and impact of grants awarded in 2022 and 2023. This report analyzes the data based on several dimensions, including gender, country of origin, type of grant (dissemination conference, ITC conference, short-term scientific missions (STSMs) and virtual mobility), geographical focus groups (Western Europe, Northern Europe, Southern Europe, and Central Eastern Europe) and the amount paid to applicants. The insights gained from this analysis will inform future grant-making strategies to ensure equitable and effective funding across different regions and demographic groups.

NexusNet comprises four geographical focus groups (GFGs) covering the whole of Europe: Southern Europe, Central Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and Northern Europe. This wide reach ensures that the network addresses different regional issues and promotes cross-sector collaboration. International partners are integrated based on the relevance of their topics to the specific GFGs, further enhancing the global perspective of the network. The regions within NexusNet have a rich tapestry of social, cultural, economic, and political contexts. Southern Europe, known for its diverse cultures and economic challenges, contrasts with the economic stability and technological progress of Western Europe. Central Eastern Europe is characterized by rapid development and political transitions, while Northern Europe is known for its high standard of living and strong social security systems. These different contexts require tailored approaches to meet regional needs and promote sustainable development.

NexusNet integrates a variety of expertise across multiple dimensions, including water, energy, food, land & soil, ecosystems, and waste. This holistic approach avoids isolated strategies and promotes comprehensive solutions that consider cross-sectoral impacts. The network’s activities focus on knowledge creation, governance, and nexus-coherent policy-making, as well as innovation that encompasses both technological advances and social innovation. The interdependencies between the Nexus components often lead to complex problems. For example, the management of water resources affects energy production and agricultural activities, while changes in land use can affect ecosystems and food security. These interdependencies require integrated solutions to avoid unintended consequences and ensure sustainable outcomes.

To meet these challenges, NexusNet has adopted a systematic approach to collecting, documenting, and discussing Nexus solutions. This includes promoting transdisciplinary dialog, research, and policy-driven outcomes. Special efforts include shortening the length of stay for STSMs in host countries in order to attract more applicants from high-cost regions such as Northern Europe and thus ensure a balanced participation of all GFGs. The monitoring and evaluation framework for 2022 and 2023 will provide valuable insights into grant-making and NexusNet’s capacity-building activities. By addressing identified inequalities and implementing targeted strategies, NexusNet can ensure more effective and equitable support for researchers and practitioners across different regions and demographic groups. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are critical to maintaining transparency and optimizing the impact of our initiatives.

Keywords: NexusNet , Sustainable Development, Integrated Solutions, Grant Allocation, Transdisciplinary Research,  Regional Development