From Science to Policy: Shaping a Sustainable and Competitive Europe

This joint European Research Council and the European Parliament's Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA) event builds on an ERC report showcasing pioneering projects that address the urgent transformations needed to tackle climate change and rising social inequality.

The event will delve into the essential conditions that enable fair and inclusive green transitions and the Clean Industrial Deal, an ambitious European Commission initiative aimed at decarbonising EU industry while boosting competitiveness and ensuring energy affordability for all.

Researchers will share groundbreaking insights and real-world solutions illustrating how governments, businesses and communities are driving the shift toward a more sustainable future. Key stakeholders will join the discussion to explore strategies for enhancing the integration of scientific evidence into policymaking, ensuring science directly informs decisions for maximum impact.

Registration to attend in-person is now closed. The event will be webcast here.

Programme

09.30 - 10.00 (CET) | Welcome Coffee

10.30 - 10.50 (CET)  | Opening Plenary

Speakers

• Christian Ehler, Chair of the Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA), European Parliament
• Maria Leptin, President of the European Research Council

11.00 - 12.05 (CET) (TBC) | Thematic Session 1: Rethinking Growth and Prosperity 

Scene setter

• Román Arjona, Chief Economist, Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs - Supply Chains and Business Analysis, European Commission  

Speakers

• Marija Bartl, University of Amsterdam and ERC grantee
• Elise Dermine, Université libre de Bruxelles and ERC grantee
• Elena Hofferberth, University of Lausanne and ERC team member 

Moderated by Frank Kuhn, Head of Sector, Social Sciences, European Research Council 

12.10 - 13.15 (CET)  (TBC) | Thematic Session 2: Clean and Sustainable Energy

Scene setter

• Mihai Tomescu, Expert, Energy and Environment, European Environment Agency (EEA)

Speakers

• Jessica Jewell, Chalmers University of Technology and ERC grantee
• Cristóbal Bonelli, University of Amsterdam and ERC grantee
• Csaba Janáky, University of Szeged, Hungary and ERC grantee

Moderated by Philippe Cupers, Head of Scientific Management Department, European Research Council

13.15  | Lunch - Wilfried Martens building (Invitation only)

14.30 - 15.40 (CET) (TBC) | Thematic Session 3: Water Resilience

Scene setter

• Hélder Sousa Silva, Member of the STOA Panel, European Parliament
   
• Joachim Maes, Team Leader, Sustainable Freshwater Unit, Directorate-General for Environment, European Commission

Speakers

• Phoebe Koundouri, University of Athens, Ambassador for the ERC and ERC grantee
• Jelena Radjenovic, Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies and ERC grantee

• Michelle van Vliet, Utrecht University and ERC grantee

Moderated by Eleni Zika, Head of Sector, Scientific Impact and Feedback to Policy, European Research Council

15.40 - 16.30 (CET) | High level panel: Enhancing the Uptake of Scientific Evidence in Policymaking 

Speakers

• Joanna Drake, Deputy Director-General of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research and Innovation
• Valérie Drezet-Humez, Director for the General Affairs, Knowledge and Resources, Directorate-General for the Environment  
• Harriet Bulkeley, Scientific Council Member, European Research Council
• Monica Scatasta, Head of Regional Development Division, Projects Directorate, European Investment Bank 

Moderated by Dave Keating, Brussels Correspondent at France 24

16.30 - 16.40 (CET) | Closing Plenary

• Lina Gálvez, First Vice-Chair of the European Parliament's Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA)
   

The event is open to the media, for requests please contact ERC-PRESS@ec.europa.eu