“It’s not so much about how politicians can listen to researchers; it’s more about how we can work together to build spaces for discussion and create public policies together, finding a common language of understanding,” Leire Pajín Iraola, Member of the European Parliament.
On 5 December, researchers and policymakers gathered at a workshop hosted by the European Climate-Health Cluster to address the challenge of transforming complex research into actionable policy decisions. The event focused on Science for Policy (S4P), revealing essential strategies for bridging the gap between scientific evidence and decision-making processes.
With a focus on health and climate change, the workshop aimed to empower and support researchers from the six cluster projects—BlueAdapt, CATALYSE, CLIMOS, HIGH Horizons, IDAlert, and TRIGGER—to contribute meaningfully to evidence-informed policy development.
The session featured five speakers who shared valuable perspectives, practical advice, and strategies to enhance the translation of science into policy: Alba Godfrey, from the BlueAdapt project and Senior Project Coordinator at EuroHealthNet; Kim van Daalen, from the IDAlert project and Postdoctoral Researcher at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center; Leire Pajín Iraola, Member of the European Parliament; Peter Löffler, Policy Officer at DG CLIMA; and Aleksandra Kazmierczak, Expert in Climate Change and Human Health at the European Environment Agency and Coordinator at the European Climate and Health Observatory.
At the heart of successful science-policy interaction lies effective communication, experts revealed during the session. Rather than overwhelming decision-makers with technical reports, the focus should be on creating concise, accessible formats that convey complex information clearly. Short policy briefs, visual summaries, and interactive data visualisations have proven particularly effective in reaching policymakers. To maximise impact, experts advocated for a tiered approach to documentation. This strategy involves creating brief summaries for quick reference, detailed overviews for deeper understanding, and comprehensive reports for thorough analysis. Such an approach allows policymakers to engage with content according to their needs and time constraints.
The workshop emphasised that meaningful collaboration between researchers and policymakers requires more than just presenting findings. Creating shared spaces for discussion and maintaining consistent dialogue emerged as crucial elements for developing effective solutions. This approach involves careful alignment of research with policy timelines and sustained engagement with civil society organisations.
Concrete examples of successful science-policy collaboration were highlighted during the session, including the Lancet Countdown on Climate Change and Health in Europe. Through its quantitative indicators tracking various aspects, from heat-related mortality to infectious diseases, it provides policymakers with tangible data for informed decision-making. Working groups covering impacts, adaptation, mitigation, economics, and stakeholder engagement ensure comprehensive coverage of critical areas.
The workshop marked a significant shift from theoretical frameworks to practical implementation in science-policy communication. As climate and health challenges intensify, this evolution in approach becomes increasingly crucial. Participants emphasised the need for faster and smarter adaptation measures, enhanced cross-border preparedness, and better integration of health considerations into climate policies.
The message was clear: effective science communication, combined with strategic engagement between researchers and policymakers, can bridge the gap between scientific evidence and policy action. This collaborative approach promises to lead to more informed and effective decision-making processes as Europe faces growing climate and health challenges.
A second session is being held today with a more hands-on approach, where the European Climate-Health cluster project members will discuss how their evidence can be translated into actionable recommendations, and which are the best strategies to reach policymakers.
