This virtual event is the sixth of the workshop series “Strengthening and connecting eco-systems of science for policy in Europe” launched by the JRC in September 2020.  Organised by the European Commission jointly with the European Science Advisors Forum (ESAF).

Date/Time: The virtual workshop will take place online on 9 March 2021 between 13h30 and 16h15 CET (14h30 and 17h15 EST). The video-call will be opened at 13h10 CET / 14h10 EST to ensure a smooth start.  

Registration: You can register for the workshop via this registration portal until 1 March 2021. We will confirm your participation on 3 March at the latest. Please note that we may not be able to accommodate all requests for participation in order to keep the workshop interactive and participatory.

Objectives: The workshop pursues three objectives: first, mapping Estonia’s science for policy eco-system and science advice institutions and processes; secondly, analyse drivers and bottlenecks/challenges experienced in science for policy eco-system of Estonia; and thirdly, collectively creating projects and solutions to overcome identified challenges/bottlenecks.   

Workshop process/Content:  The ~3 hrs programme consists of a mix of short introductory interventions, a break-out group session (what works?; what’s needed/helps?), and a wrap-up plenary. Introductory reflections are provided by: Jüri Ratas, former Prime Minister of Estonia; Prof. Krista Fisher, Member of the National COVID-19 Science Advice Group; Prof Tarmo Soomere, Chair of ESAF and President of the Estonian Academy of Sciences; Dr. Liina Eek, Estonian Research Council; and Prof. Mark W.J. Ferguson, Director-General of the Science Foundation Ireland, Chief Scientific Advisor to the Government of Ireland. Please find the draft agenda.  

Technical Platforms/Instructions: The workshop will be run through MS Teams, specifically via this channel. Since the first workshop revealed some problems with connecting via Teams, please read the instructions attached. In these instructions, you will also find slots for test calls with MS Teams to test your connection ahead of the workshop, which we strongly encourage you to take advantage of.  Read MS-Team instructions.

Survey Participation:  As preparation to the workshop, we would like to kindly ask you to participate in our short 5-minute survey on the “qualities of your country’s science for policy eco-system”. The results will be presented briefly during the workshop.