On 2 December, @EU_ScienceHub ran its 5th workshop of its series " #Science4Policy Across Europe", this time on the role of universities and research institutes.

: http://bit.ly/2Sy7Tyz 

>50 participants from across joined the event.

The discussions were kicked off with interventions by
@NicoleGrobert (chair, Group of Chief Science Advisors EU)
@INRAE_Intl's P. Flammarion
@gaby_um (EUI)
@populationEU's A. Edel
discussing their (organisations') experiences at the science-policy interface.

2/n

In six break-out groups, participants discussed the questions:
What works well when it comes to universities and research institutes informing policymaking? And why?
What cd be improved? How?

The results from each of the six #Scienc4Policy discussions are summed below.

Across universities and research institutions a number of practices provide #Science4Policy: commissioned research, government expert groups, contract research. In principle it works. But in reality it is not part of the culture of academic careers, reward and recognition.

Need for specialist skills for knowledge brokers at universities. #Science4Policy needs visibility and infrastructure e.g. mobility grants, dual appointments, policy fellows, special grants for policy-oriented research, inclusion of policy impact in research assessment, etc.

#Science4Policy interface is #multilevel (local, nat, supranat) & should include all career stages (PhD to Prof; jr policy analyst to sr public official; Mayors to PMs). #EIPM #evidence #policymaking

However, common institutional practices and ecosystems of #Science4Policy interface still in development w/ no existing blueprint; YET: interface is required for better #policymaking!

#Science4Policy is a mutual demand-supply action where trust, being humble, mutual understanding, and transparency help reach further. Moreover, evidence #literacy of policy-makers and policy-making literacy of researcher are two sides of the same coin here.

Funding research streams for new policy issues & new career incentives help strengthen policy-relevant translation of research; yet: Current funding landscape still fragmented and no common institutional practice, especially at university level #ResearchProgrammes #Funding

Universities and research institutions should systematically develop building capacity in #Science4Policy for early career researchers.

Exchange programmes between policy and research world not only increase quality of #Science4Policy but also build trust among the communities.

Science communication is key. Scientists should put themselves in the shoes of policymakers. Politics is very emotional, scientists should show empathy towards policy challenges.

Universities offer plurality of scientific opinions and perspectives. Universities do not only provide evidence based science but also aggregated perspectives on policy-issues.

In highly politicised situations, scientists shouldn’t use a science advisory platform to lobby for more money.

In highly politicised situations, scientists may have to become more involved in the political process in some settings.

In highly political situations, the system works best when both sides of the interface see and understand the value.

While context dependent and sensitive, different traditions and approaches to learn from exist across countries where there are established institutions and knowledge pathways, and that combine well networked individuals backed by institutional infrastructure.

Financial resources to link research and policy systems were key and showed a quick turnaround, also important are training opportunities between researchers and policy makers.

Improvement requires greater attention to the social process of knowledge mobilization and the skills and capacities required amongst those involved in knowledge co-creation for science and policy

Academic freedom is a prerequisite. In some countries university and academy appointments are politicized, and academic affiliation is seen as proxy of government support.

Why should academics engage in policy? If adequate incentives are not in place, there is a risk they do it only to lobby for funding or advocate for their personal views.

Academics can play a challenge/sparring partner function for policymakers, but this requires “secure spaces”

These were just some of the rich findings gained during the workshop.

The #Science4Policy series will be continued in 2021 and continues to be open for registration

JOIN our workshop community here: https://bit.ly/2Sy7Tyz