Science Week at the European Parliament

Field: Science
Dates: 5-7 February 2019
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Organizer: Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA)

The "Science Week at the European Parliament" will combine the "Brussels Week" of the MEP-scientist pairing scheme (5-7 February 2019), the JRC "Science Meets Parliaments" event (6-7 February 2019), and a STOA event with the ERC on 7 February 2019. The essence of these events is to strengthen the structured dialogue between scientists and policy-makers, with the aim to raise awareness about politically relevant, cutting-edge scientific issues and about the importance of science for evidence-informed policy-making.

During the "Brussels Week", paired scientists will have an opportunity to follow their MEP counterparts in their daily political activities, and gain an understanding of the EU science, technology and research policy framework, including, in particular, EP work in this area. Your visit will include the following activities:

attending various meetings with MEPs, EP staff and science journalists, and presenting your research work and outcomes;

receiving an introduction to the work of the EP, by the MEP and his/her assistants, as well as by EP officials (STOA, other staff of the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS), committee secretariats etc.);

participating in "pitching sessions" between science journalists and scientists, organised by STOA's new European Science-Media Hub (ESMH);

when not attending meetings organised by STOA, the scientists will be invited to "shadow" their MEP to various political group or other meetings, on the basis of the MEP's availability;

a last meeting, attended by scientists, MEPs or their assistants, and STOA officials, is to assess the week and identify its positive aspects, as well as elements for improvement.

Science meets Parliaments

In order to promote a culture of evidence-informed policy making, the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission together with the European Parliament's Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA) launched the Science Meets Parliaments initiative at the European Parliament in Brussels in 2015. The objective of the initiative is to build closer links between scientists and policy-makers at EU, national and regional levels and enhance the role of science in policy through regular dialogue with decision-makers. This year the event will discuss how science can play a bigger role in 21st century policy making. The event offers a series of discussions ranging from how artificial intelligence may impact our lives to building resilient societies and engaging citizens in decision-making. It will be accompanied by an exhibition featuring the contribution of science to making sound and successful public policies which directly benefit our lives.

Event and Registration: here