Science for Policy Workshop Proposal
The European Geosciences Union (EGU) is the leading organisation for Earth, planetary, and space science research in Europe. With our partner societies worldwide, we foster fundamental geoscience research, alongside applied research that addresses key societal and environmental challenges. Our vision is to realise a sustainable and just future for humanity and for the planet.
Aims
The EGU Science for Policy Working Group, in partnership with the Outreach Committee, is soliciting the development and delivery of one online workshop series provide training for our members in various aspects of science for policy for 2026. These sessions should focus on strengthening the capacity of geoscientists to engage effectively with policy processes at local, national, European, and international levels. Relevant topics may include (but are not limited to): science advice, policy engagement, policy communication, evidence-informed policymaking, knowledge brokerage, boundary work, and interactions between science, policy, and society. The overall aim of the workshop series is to equip EGU members with practical skills, tools, and confidence to translate scientific knowledge into policy-relevant insights, and to engage constructively with decision-makers.
Details
EGU is providing funding for one series to be delivered between August and December 2026, in English. The online workshop series would be aimed at around 30-40 EGU members who would have applied and made a commitment to attending. During the compulsory registration, EGU members will be asked to indicate their interests related to Science for Policy. Participants who attend the full workshop series will receive an EGU certificate of completion. The proposed workshop series should consist of three to four sessions of no more than 90 minutes, spread over a two-or-three-week period. It is expected that any proposed online workshop would:
- Be suitable for active geoscience researchers, with a particular focus on Early Career Scientists, and be based on evidence-based active learning principles
- Have clearly defined learning objectives aligned with EGU’s science–policy engagement goals
- Emphasize interactive, practice-oriented learning through active teaching methods (e.g. small group discussions, policy scenarios, role-play, text chat, worksheets, pre- and post-workshop assignments), with some individual feedback provided throughout the program
The EGU Science for Policy Working Group strongly encourages proposals that outline an in-depth workshop series focusing on a limited number of themes, centering active participation, and interactive formats (e.g. breakout-room discussions), rather than broad introductory overviews. The specific thematic focus of each proposed workshop series is open to applicants but should include one or more of the following areas:
- Writing for policymakers and policy briefs
- Understanding policy processes and institutions
- Science advice and evidence-informed decision-making
- Communicating uncertainty and risk in policy contexts
- Stakeholder engagement and co-production of knowledge
- Working at the science–policy interface
- Evaluating policy impact and engagement
- Policy communication: from scientific evidence to uptake
In addition, the EGU Science for Policy Working Group has identified several key thematic priorities in 2026 to align with EU policy agendas (e.g. the Green Deal, climate adaptation, natural hazards, energy transition). These include: navigating EU policymaking: where science meets policy; understanding EU institutions (European Commission, European Parliament, Council), legislative procedures, and key entry points for scientific evidence across the policy cycle; evidence-informed EU regulation and impact assessments; the role of science in impact assessments, regulatory design, and policy evaluation, including modelling, scenarios, and foresight; managing uncertainty, risk, and trade-offs in EU decision-making; communicating uncertainty and systemic complexity in EU policies related to climate, energy, biodiversity, health, and resilience; science advice mechanisms in the EU; the role and influence of Science Advice Mechanisms (SAM), SAPEA, the Joint Research Centre (JRC), expert groups, and EU agencies; designing effective policy outputs; and developing policy briefs, consultation inputs, and engagement strategies to ensure that scientific evidence meaningfully informs EU decision-making.
Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Excellent command of English
- Experience in training (particularly Early Career Scientists) in areas relevant to science-policy engagement, using evidence-based active learning approaches
- A minimum of three years’ experience delivering online workshops
- Experience working within or alongside the Earth, planetary, climate, or space sciences, as well as demonstrated experience in policy engagement at local, regional, EU, or international levels
- Experience related to Science for Policy thematic priorities aligned with EU policy agendas (e.g. Green Deal, climate adaptation, natural hazards, energy transition) is considered a strong asset
- Flexibility, creativity, and responsiveness in workshop design and implementation
- A high standard of professional practice, including attention to detail, drafting, project management, communication, and consultation
- Ability to liaise closely with EGU staff and workshop participants throughout development and delivery
Application materials
Proposals must be submitted as a combined (single) file via this application form by Friday, 24 April 2026. Applications should include:
- Up to 2 pages outlining how the applicant or team meets the requirements (e.g. CVs or relevant experience)
- Up to 2 pages describing the proposed Science for Policy workshop series and budget, explaining how it aligns with EGU’s aims and detailing the active learning exercises that will be used to develop and practice new skills
Please include links to previous relevant work where appropriate. Budgets of up to €2,000 total will be considered for the whole workshop series, and it is expected that each of the workshop sessions will be budgeted at around €500-600 (inclusive of VAT). Previous applicants (successful or unsuccessful) of any EGU workshop proposal are eligible to reapply to this call. We reserve the right to keep your details on file for up to 2 years when considering future online workshops, unless you inform us otherwise. For any additional information on the EGU Science for Policy workshop series, please contact: Zsanett Gréta Papp.