Category Archives: News

Workshop “Share Science, Shape Future – Scientific Advice in Europe: analysis, synergies and perspectives”, November 2024

On 6 and 7 November 2024, the workshop “Share Science, Shape Future – Scientific Advice in Europe: analysis, synergies and perspectives” was held in Rome at the CNR headquarters. The event represented a lively and participative debate on scientific advice in Europe.
The workshop was articulated in six sessions and welcomed by a video message from Prof. Anna Maria Bernini, Minister of University and Research of the Italian Government, followed by the opening remarks delivered by Prof. Maria Chiara Carrozza, president of National Research Council (CNR) of Italy
In the first session prof. Heinz Fassman, president of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, presented the report “Align, Act, Accelerate” published on 16 October by the high-level expert group on the interim evaluation of Horizon Europe. In the following session Enric Banda, Frede Blaabjerg and Vladimir Marik, respectively scientific advisors to the governments of Spain, Denmark and Czech Republic, analyzed and widely discussed the mechanism of scientific advice in their respective countries in an interesting exercise to find synergies and new inputs useful to inspire the whole EU ecosystem in this field.
A roundtable dedicated to Role and Perspectives of Scientific Advice in Europe was participated by Karen Fabbri from EU Commission, Maria Chiara Carrozza President of CNR, Janusz M. Bujnicki from the University of Warsaw and Agnieszka Gadzina-Kołodziejska from JRC of EU Commission. Another roundtable focused on Risk Assessment and Scientific Advice on some specific hot topics (AI, Biodiversity, Climate Change, One Health) with expert participation of Maria Cristina Pedicchio from the Agency for the Promotion of European Research (APRE), Hellas Cena of the National Biodiversity Future Center, Lucian Brujan of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina and Gabriella Cortellessa of the Institute for Cognitive Sciences and Technologies at CNR.
The final session was an intense moment of reflection about Research and Policy in the future of EU; Letta report and Draghi report were illustrated and commented by Salvatore Capasso, Head of the Department of Social Sciences at CNR and Andrea Brandolini Deputy Director general for Economics Statistics and Research of the bank of Italy. The speakers illustrated how the two reports went in synergy to show the road towards the strengthening of an EU single market that consider research and innovation at the core of the future economic growth while keeping the free circulation of brains and innovative ideas as the fundamental requirement of our societal and cultural progress.

ESAF Annual Meeting 2023

11.–12. September, 2023
West University of Timișoara, Romania

Agenda

See the annual meeting photo gallery here.

PROGRAMME

DAY 1, 11 September

 

Report: Planetary Health. An emerging field to be developed

The Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) just published a new report called Planetary Health. An emerging field to be developed.
The press release and a  summary or  the full report you can read here.

If climate change, biodiversity loss and other environmental changes continue unabated, billions of people will face serious health risks by the end of this century resulting from heat stress, flooding, food shortages, infectious diseases, migration and conflicts. Research examining the connection between such environmental changes and human health (the field of study known as Planetary Health) is still in its infancy. The report reviews existing scientific knowledge in this area and offers a list of questions for researchers to address.

 

New WRR publication: Mission AI. The New System Technology

The Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy (WRR) and the international publisher Springer have published: ‘Mission AI. The New System Technology’. This Open Access book can be downloaded free of charge (as an ebook) or can be ordered as a deluxe hardcover book via the Springer website.

The impact of Artificial intelligence
The WRR states Artificial Intelligence (AI) should be considered a system technology, similar to the steam engine, electricity, the combustion engine and computer. Taking this approach helps to look beyond the issues of the day and instead make long-term recommendations about how AI can be embedded in society. By viewing AI as a system technology, drawing analogies and learning lessons from other similar technologies, it is possible to gain some insight into the impact of AI. At this level, the recommendations are of value to governments in other countries as well.

Springer Book Series: Research for Policy
In this series, we publish internationally relevant studies of the Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy. Many of the cross-cutting issues that affect Dutch policymaking, also challenge other Western countries or international bodies. By publishing these studies in this international open access scientific series, we hope that our analyses and insights can contribute to the policy debate in other countries.
More information about the Springer Series can be obtained here.

About the WRR
The Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy (WRR) is an independent advisory body for government policy. The task of the WRR is to advise the Dutch government and Parliament on strategic issues that are likely to have important political and societal consequences. More information about the WRR can be obtained here.

Recently published by WRR and Springer: Migration Diversity and Social Cohesion. Reassessing the Dutch Policy Agenda

A new book from the Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy (WRR) and the international publisher Springer: ‘Migration Diversity and Social Cohesion. Reassessing the Dutch Policy Agenda’. This Open Access book can be downloaded free of charge (as an ebook) or can be ordered as a hardcover book via the Springer website.

Strategic direction for migration policy
Policymakers across Western-Europe have grappled with how to respond to the increasing diversity in cities, towns and neighbourhoods, resulting in a plethora of policy initiatives, some more effective than others. This book shows what could work. It brings together a large amount of research and provides evidence-based policy recommendations. For policymakers, this book offers both a sense of strategic direction and more specific, actionable advice. The report is broad in that it covers many different policy areas that touch on issues of diversity, from immigration policy to education and labour policy. It will be of benefit to all those making policy for a country of immigration.

Springer Book Series: Research for Policy
In this series, we publish internationally relevant studies of the Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy. Many of the cross-cutting issues that affect Dutch policymaking, also challenge other Western countries or international bodies. By publishing these studies in this international open access scientific series, we hope that our analyses and insights can contribute to the policy debate in other countries.

More information about the Springer Series can be obtained here.

 About the WRR

The Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy (WRR) is an independent advisory body for government policy. The task of the WRR is to advise the Dutch government and Parliament on strategic issues that are likely to have important political and societal consequences. More information about the WRR can be obtained here.

ESAF Annual Meeting 2022 (ESAF-8) „The role of science advice in rebuilding the society“

Date: 29–30 November (Starting time 14:30, 29 November; ending time 13:30, 30 November)

Venue: Research Council of Lithuania, Gedimino pr. 3, 01103 Vilnius

 

PROGRAMME

Moderator Prof. Tarmo Soomere, Chair of ESAF, President of Estonian Academy of Sciences

  NOVEMBER 29
15:00 Opening and introductions
– Jacques Verraes, European Commission, DG Research & Innovation
– Prof. Romas Baronas, Chairman of the Research Council of Lithuania
– Prof. Jūras Banys, President of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences
– Facts and figures about the Research Council of Lithuania: interplay of society, scientists, government and politicians (presentation slides). Dr Reda Cimmperman, Scientific Secretary, Research Council of Lithuania
15:35 Session 1. The role of science advice in rebuilding the society
  Introduction to the topic.
Main activities of the Members and Secretariat of ESAF for ESAF purposes” (file) (Stand 27 Nov 2022)
Prof. Tarmo Soomere, Chair of ESAF, President of Estonian Academy of Sciences
  Prof. Da-Chuan Cheng, Director of Science and Technology Division, the Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania
  How to advise your government on the challenges of a tilting world order? (presentation slides)
Anne-Greet Keizer, Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy (WRR)
16:35 Break
16:50 Keynote.
Additional material “Action Steps for Rebuilding Ukraine’s Science, Research, and Innovation”.
Vaughan Turekian, Executive Director Policy and Global Affairs, (remotely);
Franklin Carrero-Martinez, Senior Director, Global Sustainability and Development & Science and Technology for Sustainability Policy and Global Affairs, U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine
17:20 Independent expert report: Strategic crisis management in the EU
Dr. Maarja Kruusmaa, member of the EC Group of Chief Scientific Advisors, member of the Estonian Academy of Sciences, (remotely)
17:35 Keynote. Science in Ukraine: survive, transform, take the lead (presentation slides).
Dr. Oleksiy Kolezhuk, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, (remotely)
18:05 Roundtable discussion: How can ESAF collectively contribute to the rebuilding of societies
19:00 Dinner
  NOVEMBER 30
10:00 Session 2. Recent developments
  Science for policy: developments in Finland (presentation slides)
Dr. Jaakko Kuosmanen, Finnish Academy of Sciences
10:40 Session 3. The mandate and the future of ESAF
  Introduction of European Commission Staff Working Document: Supporting and connecting policymaking in the Member States with scientific research (presentation slides)
Kristian Krieger, European Commission, Joint Research Centre;
Jacques Verraes, European Commission, DG Research & Innovation
11:35 Break
11:50 Changes in ESAF ToR
Prof. Tarmo Soomere, Chair of ESAF, President of Estonian Academy of Sciences
12:10 Roundtable discussion
12:30-15:45

Dr. Mădălin Bunoiu, Romanian ESAF Representative, Chairman of the National Council for Research, Development and Innovation. Proposal for 2023 ESAF 9th Annual Meeting, Romania.  (proposal slides)

AOB and Conclusions
Prof. Tarmo Soomere, Chair of ESAF, President of Estonian Academy of Sciences

ESAF General Assembly 2021 (ESAF-7) “From local advice to global benefit”

ESAF General Assembly 2021 (ESAF-7) “From local advice to global benefit” took place place from November 30 to December 1, at the Estonian Academy of Sciences, Tallinn, Estonia as a hybrid event.

Background: The recent developments and challenges in the science advice ecosystem for policy include inter alia aspects such as (i) success of ad hoc groups, (ii) issues of legislation, mandate, and openness/embargo of provided advice, (iii) bottlenecks of sharing of operational advice between countries, (iv) links to sectorial and EU-level science advice.

It is time to discuss how to bind together country-scale advice with the benefit on regional and continent level. It is natural that governments listen first of all their own scientists, but the knowledge base of these scientists is global. There is no national mathematics or local pandemic. They are global but must be implemented or mitigated in local conditions. It is time to ask questions, such as: Where are the bottlenecks in these aspects? What could we do to reach better performance for everybody? How should we frame the role of ESAF in this context?

DAY 1, 30 November

14:30–15:00 Arrival, welcome coffee, free discussion
15:00–15:20 Opening and introductions

  • Jacques Verraes, Deputy and Acting head of Unit “Science Policy, Advice and Ethics”
  • Prof Tarmo Soomere, Chair of ESAF, President of Estonian Academy of Sciences

15:20–17:10 Session 1: Emerging science for policy ecosystem

  • 15:20–15:40 Connecting advice on national and EU level. The role of the EC Group of Chief Scientific Advisors. Prof. Nicole Grobert, Chair of GCSA, University of Oxford
  • 15:40–16:00 Strengthening the European science advice ecosystem and ESAF’s role in it. Jacques Verraes, Deputy and Acting head of Unit “Science Policy, Advice and Ethics”
  • 16:00–16:10 Convenience break
  • 16:10–16:50 Mapping and supporting diverse ecosystems within EU Member States. David Mair, Lene Topp, Lorenzo Melchor & Kristian Krieger, Joint Research Centre, European Commission. Presentation file.
  • 16:50–17:10 Discussion in break-out groups: ESAF as the connecting link

17:10–17:25 Break

17:25–19:10 Session 2: Lessons and challenges

  • 17:25–17:45 Time to take stock: lessons for science advice in future crises. – Prof. Corien Prins. The Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy. Presentation file. Presentation video.
  • 17:45–18:00 Towards connectivity of national advice systems: experience from ESAF – Prof. Tarmo Soomere, President of the Estonian Academy of Sciences, ESAF Chair
  • 18:00–18:20 Creating connections and networks in support of evidence-informed policymaking in Europe – David Mair, Lene Topp, Lorenzo Melchor & Kristian Krieger, Joint Research Centre, European Commission
  • 18:20–18:35 International Network for Government Science Advice (INGSA) in European ecosystem of science advice – Kristiann Allen, Executive Secretary, INGSA. Presentation file.
  • 18:35–18:55 Discussion in break-out groups: The future of ESAF in the science advice ecosystem.
  • 18:55–19:10 Reflections from breakup groups & wrap-up

20:00 Dinner at restaurant “Pegasus” (address: Harju 1, Tallinn) (sorry, only for the participants in Tallinn 🙂 )

DAY 2, 1 December

9:30–10:00 Morning Coffee
10:00–12:30 Session 3: Steps into future

  • 10:00–10:20 Experimental development of national science advice: The case of SOFI (Science Advice Initiative of Finland). Jaakko Kuosmanen, Finnish Academy of Science and Letters. Presentation file. Presentation video.
  • 10:20–10:40 The potential benefits of Trans-European collaboration in a network of experienced national science advisors within specific knowledge areas. Niels Halberg, Director of Danish Centre for Food and Agriculture. Presentation file.
  • 10:40–11:00 Central challenges to evidence informed policy making: The role of values and identities. David Mair & Mario Scharfbillig, Joint Research Centre, European Commission. Presentation file.
  • 11:00–11:10 Convenience break
  • 11:10–11:30 Scientific advice during Covid-19 pandemic in Estonia: combining local data with global knowledge, Prof. Krista Fischer, COVID-19 science advisory board of Estonia. Presentation file.
  • 11:30–11:50 Developing the system of scientific advisers in Estonian ministries. Liina Eek, Estonian Research Council. Presentation file.
  • 11:50–12:10 European missions: how to integrate national research and science-based innovation programs to realize the expectations and challenges on the European and National level. Prof. Ričardas Rotomskis, Research Council of Lithuania. Presentation file.

12:10–12:20 AOB and Conclusions
12:20–13:20 Lunch

New WRR publication: Preparing for Digital Disruption

The Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy (WRR) and the international publisher Springer have published: ‘Preparing for Digital Disruption’. This Open Access book can be downloaded free of charge (as an ebook) or can be ordered as a deluxe hardcover book via the Springer website.

Digital Disruption

This book offers an analysis of why preparations for digital disruption should become a stated goal of security policy and policies that aim to safeguard the continuity of critical infrastructure. The increasing use of digital technology implies new and significant vulnerabilities for our society. However, it is striking that almost all cyber-security measures taken by governments, international bodies and other major players are aimed at preventing incidents. But there is no such thing as total digital security. Whether inside or outside the digital domain, incidents can and will occur and may lead to disruption. While a raft of provisions, crisis contingency plans and legal regulations are in place to deal with the possibility of incidents in the ‘real world’, no equivalence exists for the digital domain and digital disruption. Hence, this book uniquely discusses several specific policy measures government and businesses should take in order to be better prepared to deal with a digital disruption and prevent further escalation.

Springer Book Series: Research for Policy

In this series, we publish internationally relevant studies of the Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy. Many of the cross-cutting issues that affect Dutch policymaking, also challenge other Western countries or international bodies. By publishing these studies in this international open access scientific series, we hope that our analyses and insights can contribute to the policy debate in other countries.

More information about the Springer Series can be obtained here.

About the WRR

The Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy (WRR) is an independent advisory body for government policy. The task of the WRR is to advise the Dutch government and Parliament on strategic issues that are likely to have important political and societal consequences. More information about the WRR can be obtained here.