This months GeoPolicy blog post outlines 10 things that you can do to start engaging with po
licy today! This list was originally created with the help of the EGU’s Science for Policy Working Group and other Science-Policy experts who attending EGU24. While the below list isn’t extensive, it does provide a good overview of the range of possibilities that are at your fingertips to build your science for policy skills and start engaging!
1. Assess your relevant science for policy competences using the Smart4Policy tool
The European Commission Joint Research Centre’s Competence Framework ‘Science for Policy’ for Researchers outlines 27 different competences that researchers and organisations can develop to connect with policymakers, provide relevant, robust and timely information, and effectively create policy impact. Each competence includes four progression levels, from foundational to expert level along with associated attitudes, skills, and knowledge that is required to move through each stage. Once you’ve completed your assessment using the Smart4Policy tool, you can select one or two competences to develop using the resources provided.
2. Build your communication skills through media training and public engagement tutorials for scientists
The EU Academy has a wide variety of free trainings and short videos including a 60-minute course, Science for Policy – Maximise your Policy Impact which is particularly relevant for EGU members who would like to get an overview of the science-policy interface in Europe.
3. Register as an expert for the European Commission
As an expert registered on the European Commission’s database, you can help to assess applications for EU funding, monitor EU-funded projects and contracts, and give advice on specific issues in your field. While these tasks may not involve providing information directly to policymakers, they do help to ensure the information that they receive is relevant. It can also help you to gain a better understanding about the EU’s policy processes and policy areas that might be relevant for your research.
4. Keep updated on calls for evidence and feedback on the European Commission’s Have Your Say platform
The European Commission advertises all of its consultations, calls for evidence and feedback on the Have Your Say platform. This website not only provides you with information on policy proposals and evaluations of existing legislation, but also with the opportunity to provided necessary scientific information on themes relevant to your research. If you would like to learn more about providing information and answering consultations, The Good Lobby has published a How to submit feedback to an EU public consultation toolkit with tips and tricks to make sure the information that you’re providing is as useful as possible!
5. Attend science for policy events
Events that focus on policy-relevant issues or include policymakers as speakers or attendees can be a great way to learn about the policymaking process, key issues, and who is most involved. Attending events in person is also a great way to meet others working on areas relevant to your research and to expand your network. You can find a list of policy-relevant events on the EGU’s external science for policy calendar!
EGU science for policy event inside the European Parliament
6. Apply for science for policy internships, traineeships, and pairing schemes
Policy internships, traineeships, and pairing schemes are a great way to gain a better understanding of the political system and how policymakers use scientific evidence! These opportunities vary in duration, with pairing schemes lasting from a couple of days to a week, internships generally lasting up to 6 months and traineeships lasting from a few months to a year or even two! Not only do they offer an insider view and give you new perspectives to consider in your research, but may also lead to other opportunities on the science-policy interface, from network expansion to job prospects!
7. Connect with your EGU Division Policy Officer or Point of Policy Contact
In 2023, several EGU Divisions appointed Policy Officers and Points of Policy Contact within their structures. These positions will support their Division members to engage in policymaking by sharing Division-relevant opportunities, providing them with resources, and coordinating groups of division members interested in providing useful and timely information to policymakers.
If you’re interested in engaging with your Division Policy Officer or Point of Policy Contact, or just learning more about science for policy generally, you can join their new Slack group and participate in discussions here.
8. Use online tools and social media to expand your science for policy network
Social media can be an easy way to share your research and expertise with those outside of your academic bubble. Platforms like LinkedIn are specifically tailored to help you connect with others who are working on areas that may be of interest and those on the site are often willing to network and connect. Following those working on related policy areas can also be a great why of keeping up with new policy developments.
9. Conduct policy analyses and follow needs in existing policies
Many parts of the Commission and national and local governing bodies need ad hoc support from experts. While you won’t be able to connect with and understand the needs of every department or policy institution, selecting one or two to follow and regularly check up on may enable you to support their information needs as they arise. One example of a specific area within the Commission that requires expert input is the Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network which may be of interest to researchers working on natural hazards related research.
10. Subscribe to the EGU’s monthly Science for Policy Newsletter
The EGU’s Science for Policy Newsletter is distributed on a monthly basis and includes a range of resources and upcoming policy opportunities that are relevant for EGU members. These include EGU’s policy activities and initiatives but also external events, pairing scheme, resources, relevant EU policy updates, podcasts, and consultations. If you’ve found this list useful and would like to learn more, you can subscribe to this Newsletter here.
These tips were compiled by the EGU’s Science for Policy Working Group. For more information about how you can start engaging with policy through the EGU, please don’t hesitate to contact us via policy@egu.eu.
