In October 2020 a group of biologists participated in an online workshop organized by the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in order to explore collaboration opportunities. One of the conclusions from this meeting was that Iceland has important properties to serve as a global case study for the generation, management and conservation of biodiversity.
This motivated the participants to stay in touch and develop what now has become a network of scientists and institutions with the common goal of promoting research, greater awareness and understanding of biodiversity in Iceland. This objective reflects the growing need to meet the challenges of massive global biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. Here, we will introduce and explain this initiative and invite others to join the network.