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.
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.
New Task Forces being set up
ALLEA is setting up two new Task Forces. Nominations are due by 16 November 2026. Interested Academies should contact nominations@allea.org via the button below to apply or to ask any questions.
Active task forces
Currently running, from 2025 to at least 2027.
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.
Members of the Task Force
- Emilija Stojmenova DuhChairGlobal Young Academy
- Erol ArcaklıoğluTurkish Academy of Sciences TÜBA
- Yaffa EpsteinYoung Academy of Sweden
- Martina FeilzerLearned Society of Wales
- Marianne HolmerRoyal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters
- Saana JukolaYoung Academy of Finland
- Anu KoivunenCouncil of Finnish Academies
- Dan LarhammarRoyal Swedish Academy of Sciences
- Daniela OvadiaBritish Academy
- Kerstin PahlALLEA BoardJunge Akademie (Young Academy of Germany)
- Oksana PivenNational Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
- Antonello ProvenzaleAcademy of Sciences of Turin, Italy
- Maria Gabriella SantoroAccademia Nazionale dei Lincei
- Marta Sanz-SoléInstitute of Catalan Studies, Royal Academy of Sciences and Arts of Barcelona
- Tereza StöckelováCzech Academy of Sciences
- Hedwig te MolderRoyal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences KNAW
- Lisa van der WerffRoyal Irish Academy; Young Academy of Ireland
- Semir VranićAcademy of Sciences and Arts of Bosnia and Herzegovina
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.
Members of the Task Force
- Arne JarrickChairRoyal Swedish Academy of Letters, History, and Antiquities; Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
- Mete AtatüreBilim Akademisi, Turkey
- Yaroslav BlumeNational Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
- Padraig CarmodyRoyal Irish Academy
- Kapal DevGlobal Young Academy
- Alex LewisBritish Academy
- Jozef OngenaALLEA BoardRoyal Flemish Academy of Belgium for Science and the Arts KVAB
- Ilkay Erdogan OrhanTurkish Academy of Sciences TÜBA
- Emilia PalonenCouncil of Finnish Academies
- Kit Hardman, Poppy JoyceRoyal Society
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.
Members of the Task Force
- Tanya AplinKing’s College London
- Tom CrickLearned Society of Wales
- Jon CrowcroftRoyal Society
- Angela DalyYoung Academy of Scotland
- Tom EmeryRoyal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences KNAW
- Bernt HugenholtzUniversity of Amsterdam
- Kimmo KaskiCouncil of Finnish Academies
- Marco RicolfiAccademia Nazionale dei Lincei
- Neri SalvadoriALLEA BoardAccademia Nazionale dei Lincei
- Alain StrowelUCLouvain; Saint-Louis University
- Lander WillemYoung Academy of Belgium
- Zaneta Zemla-PacudPolish Academy of Sciences
Concluded task forces
These Task Forces have completed their work.
Net Zero
Promoting Climate Sustainability in the Academic System
The Net Zero Task Force examined 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 worked to identify effective models for lowering the environmental footprint of research activities, from academic travel and conferences to laboratory operations and infrastructure. Its goal was 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 supported ALLEA’s wider commitment to sustainable research systems. Active from 2024 to 2026, it shared recommendations, best practices, and practical tools to help academies and universities progress towards net zero emissions.
Related: Greening research →Members of the Task Force
- Hugo ClarkeCo-ChairBritish Academy
- Sanli FaezRoyal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences KNAW
- Helina MarshallYoung Academy of Scotland
- Nadine MengisJunge Akademie
- İsmail KoyuncuTurkish Academy of Sciences TÜBA
- Kateryna PershynaNational Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
- Ruth PöttgenYoung Academy of Sweden
- George SakellarisCzech Academy of Sciences
- Risto SoukkaCouncil of Finnish Academies
- Jingyuan XuGlobal Young Academy
- Roberto ZoboliAccademia Nazionale dei Lincei
EDI in Research
Advancing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in European Academia
The Task Force on EDI in Research promoted fairness, transparency, and inclusivity across the European research landscape. Initiated and co-chaired by the British Academy, it built on the collective commitment of academies to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion in academia. The group provided 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 developed recommendations and guidance to help national academies and institutions create inclusive research cultures that foster excellence through diversity. Running from 2024 to 2026, it gathered evidence, promoted dialogue, and inspired systemic change towards a more equitable European research environment.
Related: Equity, diversity, and inclusion →Members of the Task Force
- Molly Morgan JonesCo-ChairBritish Academy
- Achilles EmilianidesCyprus Academy of Sciences, Letters and Arts
- Veera EhrlénYoung Academy of Finland
- Nour GhadbanYoung Academy of Scotland
- Marta GmurekPolish Academy of Sciences
- Annette Grüters-KieslichALLEA BoardLeopoldina and Union of the German Academies of Sciences and Humanities
- Kadriye Arzum Erdem GürsanTurkish Academy of Sciences TÜBA
- Hani HarbJunge Akademie
- Johanna KantolaCouncil of Finnish Academies
- Kimberly KatteInstitute of Catalan Studies
- Marcela LinkováCzech Academy of Sciences
- Barbara PozzoAccademia Nazionale dei Lincei
- Roiyah SaltusLearned Society of Wales
- Lyuba SpasovaBulgarian Academy of Sciences
- Jojanneke van der ToornRoyal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences KNAW