Science for Policy in Europe Conference

In the current “polycrises” landscape, where facts are uncertain, values vary, and decisions are urgent, a simple statement of scientific evidence is not enough to inform policymaking. We need a systematic approach that engages with the complexity of cross-cutting policy challenges – which means science advice systems must make use of interdisciplinary evidence and expertise, a good understanding of policy needs, and the ability to communicate across policy sectors.

The Science for Policy (S4P) in Europe Conference is designed to answer the following questions:

• What are the trends, challenges, and opportunities for the future of evidence-informed policymaking?
• How can we build stronger science-for-policy institutions, networks, and ecosystems in Europe?
• How can we develop the competencies and skills needed for effective science-for-policy mechanisms?
• How can we improve the governance of science for policy?

The interactive conference will bring together policymakers, science advisors, researchers, ethics experts, and other professionals in science-for-policy ecosystems.

On Day 2 of the two-day conference, ALLEA President, Antonio Loprieno, will participate in a panel discussion on setting up effective and successful advisory bodies. The panel will discuss, among other things, the process of setting up advisory bodies, their common features, and the specific elements required for an advisory body to be fit for purpose. They will debate how to operationalize new advisory processes, the role of principles and guidelines, and the lessons learnt from recent years when many governments were called to create advisory bodies at very short notice.