Description

Science for Policy Training

Introduction

In today's complex realities, the interaction between science and policy is critical when we want to address the wicked problems of our time. It demands for a multidisciplinary approach, recognizing the interconnected nature of contemporary challenges and the necessity for evidence-informed policymaking. 

The course "Science for Policy" serves as a crucial bridge between scientific research and effective policymaking, recognizing the importance of engaging in policy as a researcher. Throughout the course, participants will engage in a blend of theoretical approaches and practical skill-building aimed at bridging the gap between science and policy. Drawing on real-world examples of evidence-to-policy translation work conducted by the lecturers, participants will explore the details of researchers' engagement with policymakers,  uncovering opportunities for direct action, where evidence can drive policy decisions with tangible impacts. Moreover, the course will provide hands-on experience in developping a policy brief, ensuring that participants not only understand the theoretical underpinnings but also acquire practical skills essential for effective communication in the policymaking arena. 

Expected learning outcomes:

Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of

• the significance of evidence-based policymaking from scientific and societal viewpoints.

• the challenges and opportunities inherent in the science-policy interface

• applying evidence-informed approaches in their respective fields and contributing meaningfully to evidence-based policymaking.

• the practical skills required to translate scientific research into policy briefings.

Lecturers:

Noel Klima coordinates the IDC Crime, Criminology & Criminal Policy consortium based at the Institute for International Research on Criminal Policy (IRCP). With extensive experience bridging research, practice, and policy, he has worked with organizations such as the Federal Public Service Home Affairs, the European Crime Prevention Network, and the United Nations. Noel is a trainer for the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre's Train-the-Trainer Programme on Science for Policy and is actively involved in diverse Engaged Learning initiatives such as ‘Engaged Learning in Europe’. He serves at the Editorial Board of Societal Impacts (Elsevier) and the Freedom from Fear Magazine, published by the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute. Additionally, he co-founded RadiLab – UGent Impact Lab for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE), collaborating with policymakers and is a member of the International Network for Governmental Science Advice (INGSA).

Emilie Peeters is a policy officer at the International Centre for Reproductive Health (ICRH) at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. In that role she coordinates the international academic network on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), ANSER, that aims to build evidence for SRHR policies. She began her career as a parliamentary assistant to Belgian senator and gynaecologist Marleen Temmerman, later advocating for sexual and reproductive health with various international NGOs. Emilie also ran for elections herself three times, served on the Council of Public Social Welfare (OCMW) in Ghent and as the local president of the socialist party Vooruit. Today she is still an elected member of the City Council of Ghent. With a background in Political Sciences, she champions sexual and reproductive health as crucial in addressing inequality, bridging academia and policymaking to provide expertise at the science-policy interface.

Practicalities:

Students are expected to attend both sessions:

• 28th of May, 9:00 - 12:00 CEST - Theoretical session: How to translate science to policy

• 13th of June, 9:00 – 12:00 CEST - Practical session: How to write a policy brief