EGU SCIENCE FOR POLICY NEWSLETTER - OCTOBER 2023 ================================================ Dear EGU Expert, This month’s Science for Policy Newsletter is full of updates and opportunities to help you learn more about and engage with Europe’s science-policy interface! There is plenty for you to jump into with the new [Restoring forest ecosystems: Evidence-based insights for policymakers](https://www.egu.eu/media/filer_public/a3/0e/a30e2d50-e653-4702-94b6-cf0af80a120f/restoring_forests_doc_formatted_v2.pdf) publication from the [EGU Biodiversity Task Force](https://www.egu.eu/policy/biodiversity/), an open call for the [European Commission Joint Research Centre Trainees](https://recruitment.jrc.ec.europa.eu/?type=GT), the [third ReSToRE Summer School](https://recruitment.jrc.ec.europa.eu/?type=GT), and opportunities to join the [EGU Science for Policy Hangouts](https://www.egu.eu/webinars/114/egu-science-for-policy-hangout/)! 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](mailto:policy@egu.eu) or on the EGU’s official Science for Policy Twitter Account [@EGU_Policy](https://twitter.com/EGU_Policy). Best wishes, Chloe Hill, EGU Policy Manager FOREST ECOSYSTEMS: EVIDENCE-BASED INSIGHTS FOR POLICYMAKERS ----------------------------------------------------------- The European Geosciences Union (EGU) [Biodiversity Task Force](https://www.egu.eu/policy/biodiversity/) has recently published [Restoring forest ecosystems: Evidence-based insights for policymakers](https://www.egu.eu/media/filer_public/a3/0e/a30e2d50-e653-4702-94b6-cf0af80a120f/restoring_forests_doc_formatted_v2.pdf). This document uses scientific evidence to explain how healthy forest ecosystems not only support biodiverse ecosystems, but also support climate mitigation and adaptation, minimise the effects of droughts and floods, enhance water availability, improve water quality, reduce erosion, and lower avalanche induction. It also outlines some of the key considerations that will be necessary to ensure the measures implemented are as effective as possible. The EGU hopes that this document will help to inform the [EU Nature Restoration Law](https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/nature-and-biodiversity/nature-restoration-law_en) as the Trilogue discussions between the European Parliament and Council progress. You can [read the full document here](https://www.egu.eu/media/filer_public/a3/0e/a30e2d50-e653-4702-94b6-cf0af80a120f/restoring_forests_doc_formatted_v2.pdf). CONGRATULATIONS TO SELECTED SCIPOL PAIRING SCHEME CANDIDATES ------------------------------------------------------------ This year, the EGU received many strong applications from the community for the Science-Policy Pairing Scheme. We’re pleased to announce the two selected candidates, Daniele la Cecilia and Stelios Karozis who will be paired with Members of the European Parliament [Martin Hojsík](https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/en/197770/MARTIN_HOJSIK/home) and [Petros Kokkalis](https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/en/197743/PETROS_KOKKALIS/home) respectively. In November, both la Cecilia and Karozis will experience life inside the European Parliament for up to a week. Be sure to keep an eye on the [GeoPolicy blog](https://blogs.egu.eu/geolog/category/geopolicy/) to read about the insights and key takeaways from this year’s scheme! APPLY FOR THE JRC TRAINEESHIP PROGRAMME --------------------------------------- The Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission currently has an [open call for Scientific Trainees](https://recruitment.jrc.ec.europa.eu/?type=GT) to join their ranks in March 2024 for 3-5 months. The JRC functions as the Commission’s in-house science and knowledge service provider, employing scientists to provide independent scientific advice and support to EU policy. As a result, JRC traineeships provide a fantastic opportunity for scientists to gain a better understanding of how policy institutes operate, what current and upcoming issues are, and how to effectively communicate science with a policy audience. You can also read some personal insights and experiences from a [former JRC Trainee here](https://blogs.egu.eu/geolog/2019/09/27/one-americans-way-into-the-european-commission/) if you’d like to get the inside scoop before applying. All European Commission Traineeships are remunerated. The deadline to apply is **midnight CET on 30 October 2023** and Traineeships will start in March 2023. [Apply now!](https://recruitment.jrc.ec.europa.eu/?type=GT) APPLY NOW FOR THE 2024 RESTORE SUMMER SCHOOL -------------------------------------------- Applications for the third [ReSToRE](https://www.icrag-centre.org/restore/) (Researching Social Theories, Resources, and Environment) interdisciplinary summer school, to be held at University College Dublin from 1-5 July 2024, are now open. Co-organised by the [Science Foundation Ireland Centre for Research in Applied Geosciences – iCRAG](https://www.icrag-centre.org/) and the [International Union of Geological Sciences -IUGS](https://www.iugs.org/), the Summer School aims to nurture an interdisciplinary and experiential learning environment for geoscientists and social scientists to address cross-cutting topics and to create a network for all participants and contributors. You can [read more and apply here](https://www.icrag-centre.org/restore/) until **1 December 2023**. JOIN THE EGU SCIENCE FOR POLICY HANGOUTS ---------------------------------------- EGU’s virtual Science for Policy Hangouts are hosted on the first Monday of each month at 14:00 CET. They provide participants with an informal space for conversations about science for policy and related topics. It’s a great way to have your science-policy questions answered and network with those engaging in geoscience-relevant policy issues. The next virtual Science for Policy Hangout will be hosted on **Monday 6 November at 14:00 CET**. [Register now to receive a reminder and the agenda](https://www.egu.eu/webinars/114/egu-science-for-policy-hangout/). UNDERSTANDING HOW THE EU PARLIAMENT USES SCIENCE ------------------------------------------------ On 28 September, EGU hosted Damien Thomson, a Political Advisor working inside the European Parliament, in a webinar titled [Integrating science into the EU Nature Restoration Law](https://www.egu.eu/webinars/129/integrating-science-into-the-eu-nature-restoration-law/). This webinar provides an overview of how the European Parliament amends and proposes legislation and how science science is integrated into the policymaking process. You can [watch](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUzV7I_LdtU) the video again and again, and even [share](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUzV7I_LdtU) the recording with all your colleagues, friends, and family.