Skip to main content
Supporting EOSC
Co-funded by the European Union
Co-funded by UKRI

Skills4EOSC Workshop: Science4Policy - Bridging the gap between research and decision-making

  • January 30-31, 2025
  • Location: Rome
  • Venue: CNR (National Research Council)
  • Piazzale Aldo Moro 7
  • Roma, 00185 Italy
  • Google Map

What

Communicating science effectively is becoming increasingly crucial in empowering society to take evidence-informed decisions to address its challenges, especially in the context of evidence-informed policymaking (often referred to as “science4policy”).

The SKILLS4EOSC two-day interactive workshop aims to enhance researchers' communication skills and facilitate dialogue with policymakers by upskilling communication competencies through theoretical learning and practical application.

Who

Are you a scientist, communicator or policy enthusiast and want to bridge the gap between research and decision-making? Join this interactive workshop to improve your skills in science communication in the context of policy making!
The ideal participants are researchers - in any field - wishing to improve their ability to interact with policy makers. They can be already involved in science4policy activities or simply motivated to start a journey into this new realm. In the registration form they should provide their motivation and experience in the field.

Program

Day 1 (January 30)

Day 1 - Jan 30 will be focused on the Theory of communicating science and the intersection between science and policy. Day 1 will be open to a maximum of 30 participants, please Register here

Session 1

10.00 - 13.30

Exploring effective science communication paths, led by Joana Lobo Antunes (bio)

  • what is science communication, addressing science topics to non expert audiences.
  • what is scientific culture and why is it relevant for non experts
  • why should scientists (and institutions) get involved, what's in it for them (not just good doing for the ignorant)
  • how have we been doing it so far, discussing some results from eurobarometers in science and techology, things that we are doing better and what needs to be done
  • examples on things that can be done; directly with people (open days, science fairs, open labs, going to schools, researchers night), using social media for scientific good, working with the media

Session 2

14.30 - 17.30
Engaging with policymakers: key concepts and institutional pathways in Science4Policy (S4P), conducted by Alessandro Allegra
  • Introduction to scientific advice and science for policy
  • Key S4P theoretical concepts
  • Independence, relevance, and the limits of science in policy
  • Scientists, experts and advisors: roles and responsibilities
  • Overview of the European S4P ecosystem
  • Institutional models of scientific advice

Day 2 (January 31)

Day 2 - Jan 31 will see the Interactive session with simulations of political debates and role-playing exercises, facilitated by Petra Buljevic and Marko Košiček. It will be restricted to 20 invited researchers, who will also attend Day1.
This one-day, hands-on workshop allows participants to familiarise themselves with the complex relationship between science, communication and policy. Through expert-led sessions, role-plays and collaborative activities, you'll explore how scientists can contribute to policy decisions, communicate research effectively and influence societal issues.

Program

  • Introduction to key concepts: discover the different roles that scientists play in policy - from pure scientist to advocate.
  • Hands-on role-plays: Step into the roles of policy advisors and advocates as you participate in simulated panel discussions, pitches and presentations.
  • Practical feedback: Receive feedback on your communication style, learn from real-life examples and get tips on how to effectively communicate messages to different audiences.
  • Networking & collaboration: Connect with other participants who share an interest in bridging science and policy, learning from each other’s experience and expertise.

Bridging the gap between research and decision-making

Rome, Jan 30-31 2025

SKILLS4EOSC two-day interactive workshop aims to enhance researchers' communication skills and facilitate dialogue with policymakers by upskilling communication competencies through a combination of theoretical learning and practical application

Please let us know your surname.
Please let us know your name.
Please let us know your email address.
Please indicate the organization you belong to/affiliate with
Please provide your Country
Please let us know your research background
Invalid Input
Invalid Input
Invalid Input
Invalid Input
Please let us know your motivation
Invalid Input
Invalid Input
Accepting privacy policy is mandatory
Our trainers
Alessandro Allegra
Dr Alessandro Allegra is a science policy scholar and practitioner interested in understanding and shaping the interface between science, policy, and society in Europe, with a focus on scientific advice to policymaking. He works at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research & Innovation, providing support and advice to senior management on R&I policy and coordinating activities on Science for Policy. Alessandro has experience in UK, EU, and international science policy having worked at UNESCO, the Royal Society of London and the UK Royal Society of Biology, and the European Commission. He holds a PhD in Science, Technology and Society (STS) from UCL and has been Fulbright-Schuman fellow at the Harvard’s Kennedy School STS Programme.
Petra Buljević Zdjelarević
Petra Buljević Zdjelarević is a trained media and communications professional who has been helping researchers reach their target audiences since 2009. She currently heads the Public Relations and Communication Office at the Ruđer Bošković Institute and is responsible for strategic communication initiatives, public and media relations, social media and event management. Her expertise lies in the development and implementation of successful communication and dissemination campaigns that increase the visibility and impact of the Institute's activities and projects. Throughout her career, she has worked as a communications consultant for numerous EU-funded projects, using her expertise to develop effective project branding and deliver targeted media campaigns.
Dr Marko Košiček
Dr Marko Košiček is an expert advisor and coordinator of popularisation activities at the Ruđer Bošković Institute. He holds a PhD in biochemistry from the Faculty of Natural Sciences in Zagreb. He has participated in numerous activities for the popularisation of science ( Festival of Science, Scientific picnic, RBI Open Day, European Researchers’ Night), hosted the science programme Third Element on national television (HRT3) for 10 years, founded the Society for Out-Of-Frame Education and was a long-standing member of the organising committee for the Summer School of Science for high school students. Together with his colleague Saša Ceci (RBI), he was awarded the State Award for Popularisation and Promotion of Science in 2014. From 2018 to mid-2020, he was Chief Advisor at the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Croatia.