Task Forces

ALLEA TASK FORCES

ALLEA Task Forces are expert groups that drive ALLEA’s science-policy work on key issues affecting research and society in Europe. Each Task Force brings together leading scholars and practitioners from across disciplines and countries to analyse challenges, develop recommendations, and promote dialogue between science, policy, and the public. Created for a defined period and with specific objectives on the recommendation of the ALLEA Science Policy Standing Committee, Task Forces address topics of strategic importance through evidence-based reports, events, and policy advice. Their work helps shape the European research environment by ensuring that ethical, open, and sustainable principles guide scientific progress. By connecting expertise from ALLEA’s Member Academies and beyond, the Task Forces contribute to strengthening trust in science and advancing knowledge that benefits society as a whole.

Task Force: Strengthening Trust in Science

Exploring the Role of Scientific Evidence in Policymaking and Scientific Literacy to Counter Mis- And Disinformation

The Task Force on Strengthening Trust in Science explores how to counter misinformation and reinforce public confidence in scientific evidence. Recognising that trust in science is essential for effective policymaking and societal resilience, the group investigates the causes and consequences of mis- and disinformation in the digital age, including the impact of AI-driven content. It brings together experts from diverse disciplines—from computer science and communication studies to philosophy and ethics—to develop strategies for science communication, education, and digital literacy. Running from 2025 to at least 2027, the Task Force will produce analyses and recommendations that help policymakers, educators, and researchers strengthen public engagement with science, improve evidence-informed decision-making, and safeguard the integrity of knowledge in democratic societies.

  • Emilija Stojmenova (Chair) – Global Young Academy; Slovenia
  • Hedwig te Molder – Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium for Science and the Arts
  • Semir Vranić – Academy of Sciences and Arts of Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Marianne Holmer – Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters
  • Anu Koivunen – Council of Finnish Academies
  • Saana Jukola – Young Academy of Finland
  • Kerstin Pahl, German Young Academy, ALLEA Board Member
  • Maria Gabriella Santoro –Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei
  • Liza van der Werff – Royal Irish Academy; Young Academy of Ireland
  • Marta Sanz-Solé – Royal Academy of Sciences and Arts of Barcelona
  • Dan Larhammar – Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
  • Yaffa Epstein – Young Academy of Sweden
  • Erol Arcaklıoğlu – Turkish Academy of Sciences
  • Oksana Piven – National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
  • Daniela Ovadia – British Academy
  • Martina Feilzer – Learned Society of Wales

Task Force: Integrating Research Security and Academic Freedom

Ensuring That Research Security Measures Uphold Fundamental Academic Values and International Collaboration

The Task Force on Integrating Research Security and Academic Freedom examines how to protect research from security threats while preserving openness, integrity, and academic freedom. Against the backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions and evolving EU policies, it seeks to ensure that research security measures support rather than restrict international collaboration. The Task Force contributes to European policy discussions, including through recommendations to national and European institutions, and the European Research Area Policy Agenda. It will help develop guidance for institutions and promote balanced compliance frameworks, and prepare input for conferences on research security and academic freedom. Active from 2025 through at least 2027, the group works with policymakers, academies, and universities to ensure that academic values and global cooperation remain central to Europe’s research ecosystem.

  • Arne Jarrick (Chair) – Royal Swedish Academy of Letters, History, and Antiquities; Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
  • Marie Louise Nosch – Royal Danish Academy, ALLEA Vice-President
  • Emilia Palonen – Council of Finnish Academies
  • Kapal Dev – Global Young Academy
  • Padraig Carmody – Royal Irish Academy
  • Karin Roloefs – Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, ALLEA Board
  • Mete Atatüre – Bilim Akademisi/Turkish Academy of Sciences
  • Ilkay Erdogan Orhan – Bilim Akademisi/Turkish Academy of Sciences
  • Alex Lewis – British Academy
  • Ian Wiggins – Royal Society
  • Yaroslav Blume – National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine

Task Force: Protecting and Sharing Data

Addressing Challenges in Open Science, IPR, Data Governance, and the Balance Between Security and Accessibility

This Task Force tackles the complex balance between open access to research data and the need for robust protection of privacy, security, and intellectual property rights. It focuses particularly on sensitive fields such as health and biotechnology, where responsible data sharing is vital for scientific progress and societal benefit. Bringing together experts in law, ethics, and data governance, the group examines how regulations such as the GDPR affect international collaboration and research data exchange. Its goal is to develop guidance and advocate for fair, secure, and transparent data-sharing policies that strengthen research integrity. Operating from 2025 to at least 2027, the Task Force will produce recommendations, engage with European and global partners, and contribute to shaping the European Research Area’s policy agenda on open science and data governance. It builds on the successful work of the long-standing ALLEA Working Group on Intellectual Property Rights and activities promoting Open Science.

  • Alain Strowel – UCLouvain; Saint-Louis University

  • Lander Willem – Young Academy of Belgium

  • Kimmo Kaski – Council of Finnish Academies

  • Marco Ricolfi – Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei

  • Neri Salvadori – Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei

  • Lucas van der Meer – Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences

  • Bernt Hugenholtz – Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences

  • Zaneta Zemla-Pacud – Polish Academy of Sciences

  • Tom Crick – Learned Society of Wales

  • Jon Crowcroft – Royal Society

  • Tanya Aplin – King’s College London

  • Angela Daly – Young Academy of Scotland

Task Force: Net Zero

Promoting Climate Sustainability in the Academic System

The Net Zero Task Force examines how the academic community can contribute to climate sustainability by reducing emissions and promoting greener research practices. Initiated and co-chaired by the British Academy, it works to identify effective models for lowering the environmental footprint of research activities, from academic travel and conferences to laboratory operations and infrastructure. Its goal is to help institutions balance international collaboration with climate responsibility while maintaining high standards of research excellence. By assessing sustainability initiatives across Europe and developing guidelines for systemic change, the Task Force supports ALLEA’s wider commitment to sustainable research systems. Active from 2024 to at least 2026, it will continue to share recommendations, best practices, and practical tools to help academies and universities progress towards net zero emissions.

  • Arne Jarrick – Royal Swedish Academy of Letters, History, and Antiquities; Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences

  • Mete Atatüre – Bilim Akademisi

  • Alex Lewis – British Academy

  • Padraig Carmody – Royal Irish Academy

  • Emilia Palonen – Council of Finnish Academies

  • Kapal Dev – Global Young Academy

  • Yaroslav Blume – National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine

  • Ilkay Erdogan Orhan – Turkish Academy of Sciences

  • Ian Wiggins – Royal Society

Task Force: EDI in Research

Advancing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in European Academia

The Task Force on EDI in Research promotes fairness, transparency, and inclusivity across the European research landscape. Initiated and co-chaired by the British Academy, it builds on the collective commitment of academies to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion in academia. The group provides a platform for sharing policies and innovative practices that improve access to research opportunities and leadership positions, address bias — including algorithmic bias — and support early- and mid-career researchers. Through its work, the Task Force develops recommendations and guidance to help national academies and institutions create inclusive research cultures that foster excellence through diversity. Running from 2024 to at least 2026, it will continue to gather evidence, promote dialogue, and inspire systemic change towards a more equitable European research environment.

  • Molly Morgan Jones (Chair) – British Academy
  • Alla Kirova – Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
  • Marcela Linková – Czech Academy of Sciences
  • Achilles Emilianides – Cyprus Academy of Sciences, Letters and Arts
  • Johanna Kantola – Council of Finnish Academies
  • Veera Ehrlén – Young Academy of Finland
  • Annette Grüters-Kieslich – Leopoldina and Union of the German Academies of Sciences and Humanities, ALLEA Vice-President
  • Hani Harb – Junge Akademie
  • Barbara Pozzo – Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei
  • Jojanneke van der Toorn – Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences
  • Marta Gmurek – Polish Academy of Sciences
  • Kimberly Katte – Institute of Catalan Studies
  • Nour Ghadban – Young Academy of Scotland
  • Kadriye Arzum Erdem Gürsan – Turkish Academy of Sciences
  • Roiyah Saltus – Learned Society of Wales