Dear EGU Expert,

This month’s Science for Policy Newsletter takes a look back at Science for Policy at EGU26, encourages you to submit a nomination for the Science for Policy Award, and invites you to join our monthly Science for Policy Hangouts. It also highlights opportunities to contribute to two ongoing European Commission Consultations and calls for evidence and apply for Schuman traineeships at the European Parliament.

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.

Best wishes,
EGU's Science for Policy Team

Thanks to everyone who contributed to and participated in EGU26’s Science for Policy sessions and initiatives. It was fantastic to see such a high level of engagement, interest, and diversity during the week's #science4policy sessions!

We hope that you were able to attend some policy sessions of interest, but in case you missed out, the recordings of the Union Symposia, Great Debates, and Award Lectures can be found on the EGU26 programme using your EGU26 login. The access to these sessions will be public after 31 May, in case you would also like to share them with those in your network who were unable to attend EGU26!

The submission deadline for the EGU Science for Policy Award is approaching! This Award recognises researchers, knowledge brokers, and policymakers who have strengthened the European science-policy interface, or significantly contributed to the integration of scientific evidence into the European policymaking processes.

Whether you would like to acknowledge the work undertaken by yourself, your team, or a colleague on the science-policy interface, you can submit your nominations here by 15 June 2026. You can also login to the EGU26 platform to watch the 2026 Science for Policy Award Lecture by the Science for Policy Team of the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters.

Every month, EGU hosts Science for Policy Hangouts which provide an informal space for people working at the science-policy interface as well as anyone who is interested. Often featuring guest speakers, the Hangouts explore various science for policy opportunities and how researchers can more effectively engage with policymaking.

On 1 June at 14:00 CEST, we will be welcoming Adam Izdebski, a Professor of Human Ecology at the Institute of Advanced Studies of Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Poland. Adam was a member of EGU's former Biodiversity Task Force and is currently the Chair of the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors to the European Commission. Adam will share his insights on integrating science into policymaking and on how the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors provides advice to the Commission.

The Hangouts take place at 14:00 CEST on the first Monday of every month. If you are interested, be sure to add them to your calendar!

European Commission Consultations and Calls for Evidence 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. 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, including an EGU Webinar on How to Answer an EU Consultation and the Good Lobby’s Consultation Toolkit. Below are some current initiatives that may be of interest!

Renewable energy legal framework - after 2030

The European Commission is currently gathering feedback on the development of the EU renewable energy legal framework beyond 2030. The initiative aims to ensure that renewable energy contributes to the EU’s climate target of a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, while supporting EU competitiveness and energy independence through reliable, affordable, and decarbonised energy systems. 

You can provide feedback here until midnight CEST on 12 June 2026.

European Ocean Act

The European Commission has also launched a public consultation on the future European Ocean Act, expected to be finalised in 2026. The initiative aims to strengthen ocean governance, improve the resilience and sustainability of marine ecosystems, and support a sustainable blue economy across the EU. The consultation seeks feedback on priorities for ocean protection, maritime industries, governance, and coherence across EU ocean-related policies.

You can learn more and submit your input here until midnight CEST on 16 July 2026.

The applications are currently open for the October-February cohort of the Schuman traineeships offered by the European Parliament. This traineeship programme is designed to contribute to EU citizens’ European education and vocational training and to provide an insight into the work of the European Parliament.

The traineeships are paid and can be undertaken at one of the European Parliament’s official places of work – Brussels, Luxembourg and Strasbourg – or in its Liaison Offices in the Member States. 

You can see the specific traineeship offers here, and read more about the application procedure here. The application deadline is midnight CEST on 31 May 2026.