Transforming Science: Pathways Towards Sustainability and Trustworthiness
The ALLEA symposium ‘Transforming Science: Pathways Towards Sustainability and Trustworthiness’ brought together leading scientists, policymakers and research managers in Brussels to discuss the transformations the scientific system must address to be ready for future crisis after the Covid-19 pandemic.
The event took place on 11-12 May, hosted by the Royal Academy of Sciences, Letters and Arts of Belgium and the Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium for Science and the Arts at the Academy Palace, in the heart of the Belgian capital. The symposium was part of the annual meeting of ALLEA member academies, more than 50 academies from about 40 countries in Europe.
In two days of keynotes and panel discussions, more than 400 online and in-person participants joined four sessions addressing 3 main themes: Science-Policy Relations in an Age of Complexity, Transforming Research Cultures and Towards Climate Sustainability in the Academic System.
Speakers included political representatives such as Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, and Thomas Dermine, Belgian Secretary for Economic Recovery and Strategic Investment with responsibility for Science Policy. Marion Koopmans, Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases at Erasmus MC, delivered the scientific keynote.
All videos and photos of the event are available on the media room.
11 May | Opening Session
- Prof Didier Viviers
Permanent Secretary of the Royal Academy of Sciences, Letters and Fine Arts of Belgium (ARB) - Prof Antonio Loprieno
President of ALLEA - Thomas Dermine
Belgian State Secretary for Scientific Policy, Recovery Program and Strategic Investments - Mariya Gabriel
European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth
11 May | Keynote ‘Building the Ship while Sailing: The Challenges of Scientific Advice during an Emerging Crisis’
Keynote
Prof Marion Koopmans
Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases at Erasmus MC
Being Caught between All Stools? Sciences and Policy Advice
Presentations
- Prof Michael Bang Petersen, Professor at Aarhus University
Using Social Science to Uphold Trust during a Crisis: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic - Prof Tina Comes, Professor at Delft University of Technology & Maastricht University
Science under pressure. Transforming crises - Prof Eric Lambin, Member of the European Commission’s Group of Chief Scientific Advisors.
Engaged scholarship, system thinking, and partnerships
Keynote
Prof Maria Leptin, President of the European Research Council
Science communication for an age without gatekeepers
Discussion panel
- Prof Maria Leptin, President of the European Research Council
- Prof Antonio Loprieno, President of ALLEA
- Dr Marc Schiltz, President of Science Europe
- Dr Magdalena Skipper, Editor In Chief of Nature
- Prof Andrea Pető, Professor at Central European University
