Research plays a crucial role in addressing the societal challenges related to climate change and the environmental impact of digitalisation. Science Europe aims to bring together researchers and policy makers to promote dialogue on science-informed decisions to support the green transition.
Science has played a crucial role in identifying and explaining climate change, the most pressing societal challenge of our time. Research has contributed to tackling the climate crisis by explaining the causes of climate change and proposing new, alternative solutions to – among others – reduce carbon emissions, preserve natural ecosystems, and cope with natural disasters. The objective to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 is of paramount importance for Europe, and beyond.
Science Europe supports science-led responses to the green transition by acting as a platform to foster co-ordination of actions at European level. It does this based on its role as representative of national research performing and funding organisations. It shares best practices on relevant research and innovation policies within its membership, with partner organisations, and with society. The European Green Deal, Horizon Europe’s Missions, and the EU biodiversity strategy are among the main interests for this priority, together with broader international climate policies.
The Working Group on Greening Research focuses on contributing to international climate policy fora and the European Green Deal by identifying the success factors for science–policy interfaces and determining the characteristics of interdisciplinary programmes that address the green transition. A cross-cutting theme is to foster public trust in science, engaging societal stakeholders, and engage in ‘citizen science’.
Science Europe aims to identify the characteristics of research programmes and activities that contribute to the green transition. The goal is to investigate aspects of inter- and/or transdisciplinary research activities, such as stakeholders’ engagement, co-creation, or citizen science, and how to engage different disciplines in tackling complex challenges, such as those related to the climate crisis and the environmental impact of digitalisation.
Science Europe is committed to contributing to international climate policy. During COP26 (in November 2021), Science Europe launched a Call to Action for research organisations to achieve the Net-Zero Transition, together with international partners. This engagement continued through COP27 (in November 2022), mobilising Science Europe members and partners to reduce their emissions and achieve climate neutrality. In addition, Science Europe is examining ways to contribute to the European Green Deal and establishing collaborations with other international organisations regarding international climate policy.
Science Europe’s objective is to collect examples of and make recommendations for institutional settings and necessary training to promote science-informed policy making. A better understanding of the different roles, responsibilities, and types of organisations between research funders, research performers, individual researchers, and governments at various levels is needed. The goal is to identify new emerging practices, professional opportunities, and needs for Science Europe members.
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The present Framework introduces strategic directions for Science Europe Member Organisations to share practices and coordinate efforts. In addition to leading by example, the objective is to achieve systemic change – pursuing environmental sustainability of research organisations’ activities – including mitigating climate impacts. Other important questions, such as funding for research on sustainability, as well as the economic and social dimensions of sustainability, fall outside of the scope of this Framework and may be the subject of future actions.
This report summarises the main lessons learned from three webinars on greening research and proposes key messages for the next steps. A summary of each webinar's contents is presented; common lessons and key messages from the whole series are jointly discussed in the final section.
2023 proved to be another landmark year for Science Europe: building on the achievements of the previous year and setting the direction for new approaches in vital areas of research policy.
Science Europe's Greening Research Webinar Series sought to raise awareness, discuss solutions, and empower action to reduce the environmental impact of research activities by exploring its footprint, addressing challenges, and offering actionable steps for the future.
Interested in joining us? Science Europe is looking for a Senior Policy Officer to join its team and work on research policy for the green transition. Deadline for applications: 2 June 2024.
This briefing on the ERA Policy Agenda presents actions and advocacy points from Science Europe on the ERA Actions that it contributes to.
Science Europe presents its new Guidance on Science for Policy activities, including a round-table discussion with a high-level panel of research organisation leaders who are directly engaged in science for policy activities.
Science can and should support policy- and decision makers by providing rigorous evidence to increase understanding of problems and assess available options. This guidance aims to support the development of 'Science for Policy' activities in research organisations.
Science Europe participated in a High-level Summit and International Scientific Symposium organised by the Human Frontier Science Programme Organisation (HFSPO) on 27–29 June 2023, in partnership with UNESCO and other research institutions including ANR, CNRS, EMBL, ERC and the International Science Council (ISC).
In 2022, Science Europe made significant contributions in various areas, including research culture, research assessment, open science, EU framework programmes, the green and digital transition, and science communication.