New science for policy opportunities and ways to connect with policymakers in 2023!

Dear EGU Expert,

This month’s EGU Science for Policy Newsletter outlines new science for policy opportunities and ways that you can connect with policymakers in 2023. Below, you can read about new opportunities to engage through EGU’s Policy Programme, changes to the JRC’s 2030 Strategy that will promote greater science-policy interaction, traineeship openings, and European Commission Consultations and Calls for Evidence that you can answer today!

If you have any further questions or comments about the policy opportunities that exist for scientists in Europe, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via policy@egu.eu or on Twitter using @Chl0e_Hill.

Best wishes,
Chloe Hill, EGU Policy Manager

EGU Policy: What’s new in 2023?

2023 is going to be a big year for EGU’s Policy Programme! Not only are we aiming to build on EGU’s current initiatives, but we’re planning on establishing even more opportunities for our members to engage and get involved in European policy! This month’s GeoPolicy blog post kicks-off the New Year by outlining a few of the key science for policy activities that you can look forward to in the next 12 months!

The JRC's revitalised 2030 Strategy

As the Commission’s inhouse research centre, the JRC supports evidence-informed policymaking by providing scientific information to policymakers that enable them to find solutions to the complex and interlinked challenges faced by society. Earlier this month, the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) refreshed their 2030 strategy with the aim of improving its capacity to anticipate new challenges and opportunities.

To support this, the JRC has also restructured its organisation (europa.eu), creating two new directorates that provide an even sharper focus on science for policy. This includes Directorate S, which focuses on foresight, innovation for policy administration, knowledge synthesis and scientific development, and Directorate T, which gathers digital and data expertise.

Apply for a Traineeship within the European Commission

The call for Blue Book Traineeships at the European Commission starting in October 2023 is now open! If you are considering a career change or would like to work in a policy environment for an extended period of time, a European Commission Blue Book Traineeship might be for you! Blue Book Traineeships are for a period of 5 months and are paid.

The activities undertaken by a Blue Book Trainee vary depending on the policy area and service (which you have the option to select when filling in the application form). Some examples of activities that you may undertake as a Blue Book Trainee include: attending and organising meetings, conducting research, drafting and editing policy documents, and answering enquiries. While the Commission doesn’t specifically target scientists in the application process, often those with specific expertise are welcome. The deadline to apply for a Blue Book Traineeship is 31 January at 12:00 midday, CET. You can read more and apply here.

HAVE YOUR SAY: EU CONSULTATIONS & CALLS FOR Evidence

Kick-start your 2023 science for policy activities by providing the Commission with feedback on a legislation that is relevant to your area of expertise! European Commission Consultations and Calls for Evidence and Feedback provide individuals and organisations with an opportunity to contribute to the EU policymaking process by providing feedback on Commission initiatives as they take shape or are being evaluated. Below are several Consultations that may be of interest to EGU members.

If it’s your first time submitting feedback to a European Consultation or Call for Evidence, there are some useful online resources to support you. The Good Lobby’s Consultation Toolkit is one example that gives a detailed explanation about how you can effectively engage with the different types of Consultations and calls. Below are some open initiatives that may be of interest!


Call for Feedback: Urban Wastewater Directive

The Feedback period for the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive before its adoption by the Commission is currently open. This Directive will help to ensure that urban wastewater is clean and safe is vital for protecting public health and the environment. The feedback collected will support the Commission in identifying certain shortcomings and new societal needs that must be addressed before the Directive is finalised.

You can provide feedback on the Directive here until 14 March 2023.


Call for evidence: Space strategy for security & defence

The EU Space Strategy for Security and Defense aims to strengthen the resilience of EU space systems and services, support space services for security and defence, and protect supply chains and develop critical technologies. A call is currently open to collect evidence and information that can support the Strategy and ensure that it is as effective as possible.

You can provide evidence to help support this Strategy here until 10 February 2023.


Consultation: Horizon Europe – interim evaluation

The European Commission currently has an open Consultation to evaluate the past, present and future of the EU’s Horizon research and innovation programmes 2014-2027. Not only is this an opportunity for you to provide feedback with the Horizon programmes, but for you and your institution to help shape the future of EU funding! You can respond to this consultation here until 23 February 2023.

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