Dear EGU Expert,

This month’s EGU Science for Policy Newsletter highlights opportunities for scientists to expand their network, connect with those working on the science-policy interface, and provide feedback on upcoming policies.

If you have any further questions or comments about the policy opportunities that exist for scientists in Europe, don’t hesitate to get in touch via policy@egu.eu or on the EGU’s new official Twitter Account @EGU_Policy.

Best wishes,
Chloe Hill, EGU Policy Manager

The European Commission, with the support of the European Executive Research Agency, will be hosting a Science-Policy Matchmaking event on 20 June 2023. This event aims to bring researchers and policymakers together to discuss the opportunities that the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) provide for researchers to spend a short secondment or placement at a public administration body.

Not only will the event provide a platform to discuss the public sector’s knowledge needs and the available scientific expertise, but it will provide an opportunity for policymakers and researchers to exchange information and discuss future cooperation. You can read more about the event here and register for the event here.

Eklipse is a knowledge brokering mechanism that supports governments, institutions, businesses, and NGOs in making better-informed decisions related to biodiversity. Eklipse provides a great example of how scientific evidence and knowledge can be incorporated and used in policymaking processes. Most recently, it has released the final evidence report from its Expert Working Group focusing on the Mitigation Hierarchy. This report synthesises knowledge on how the concepts of ecosystem services and natural capital foster the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity within planning processes, provides information about EU-wide cases, and outlines recommendations on best practices.

You can read the full report here. You can also learn about opportunities to engage with Eklispe and support evidence-informed policymaking here.

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. There is currently an open call for feedback on the EU’s Climate Targets for 2040.

The input provided to the Commission on this call will support the creation of the targets and put the EU on a path towards climate neutrality by 2050. Submit feedback here until midnight on 23 June 2023.

The European Climate Research Alliance aims to strengthen, expand and optimise EU climate research capabilities. To support this overarching aim, ECRA has recently launched a Slack channel to provide a platform for scientists to collaborate, communicate, and share ideas in real-time, fostering knowledge flow and interdisciplinary interactions. This platform will enable scientists from different disciplines and institutions to connect, expanding their reach and gaining exposure to diverse perspectives. It also fosters a sense of community, with dedicated channels for discussions and informal conversations, promoting support, mentorship, and collaboration.

You can learn more and join the ECRA-Slack here.