All events
Are we ready for the next cross-border health crisis?
Webinar: Be prepared - Can we forecast the next crisis and be ready to manage it?
Second Conference on the Ukraine crisis: One Year of War in Ukraine, Exploring the Impact on the Science Sector and Supporting Initiatives
Library Talk: Improving crisis management in the EU: a discussion with the Commission’s science and ethics advisors
Why do we need public trust in times of crisis?
European Parliament: STOA Panel for the Future of Science and Technology
Putting people first
Entangled crises: how can the EU help?
Handover of advice on crisis management
Northern European Emergency and Disaster Studies Conference
COP27 - All things considered: the role of expert advice in climate-related crises
Integrating research for new cancer screening programmes
Apocalypse Tomorrow: What Should Scientists Do to Prepare for the Next Major Crisis?
Conference on Improving Cancer Screening in the European Union
Ciência 2022 (Science 2022)
7th Congress of Preventive Medicine
Science advice at times of crisis: what roles for universities and academies?
Webinar on Energy efficiency: A science advice perspective
Conference: Science advice under pressure
Euro-CASE Annual Conference "Building back better"
The climate and energy transition in the age of transformation
Time travel and climate: changing the past to fix the future
Science advice for a clean and fair energy transition: a challenge and a call for action
Transitioning to new energy systems: What impact will it have on society and on our lives?
Science advice for energy policy: Who's afraid of epistemic diversity?
Energy transition and the EU hydrogen strategy
Communicating microplastics risk: Balancing sensation and reflection
Plastic pollution: Are biodegradable plastics a solution?
Biodegradable plastics: how do we engage with consumers and society?
Research integrity
Digital media in crisis situations
Alternative proteins, consumers and sustainability in Europe: Where next?
Taking action on plastics pollution: are biodegradable plastics the answer?
Climate change and health
The special role of chefs in a sustainable food system
Everything you wanted to ask about science advice #AskRolf
Towards a sustainable food system: the EU's role in the global transition
Food policy at a time of crisis: What should the future look like?
Science advice: what works in a crisis?
The EU's Farm2Fork strategy
Policy implications of Transforming the Future of Ageing
Covid-19 and our food: How is the current crisis affecting how we eat?
Erasmus Maris days
Making Sense of Science at the Royal Irish Academy
Making Sense Of Science For Policy: A Lively Panel Discussion At The University Of Cambridge
SAPEA microplastics event in Finland
The future of science advice in Europe
Evidence-informed policy: a Norwegian perspective
Ageing: from Basic Science to Policy Advice
The science of microplastics in the world ocean
A scientific perspective on microplastics in nature and society in Slovenia
Ageing report to be discussed in Madrid
European Research & Innovation Days
Roundtable discussion on Making Sense of Science
Shaping Horizons
Transforming the Future of Ageing – SAPEA event in Israel
Transforming the Future of Ageing – SAPEA event in France
Transforming the Future of Ageing – SAPEA event in Romania
EurOCEAN 2019 Conference
Albanian forum on microplastics
UN World Oceans Day
Transforming the Future of Ageing – SAPEA event in Portugal
European Maritime Day
Microplastics debate ‘shows how the public can drive scientific conversations’
ALLEA General Assembly
Food from the Oceans, a look into our future
SAPEA at Cardiff Science Festival
INGSA 2018: Science Advice for a Changing World
Annual Conference International Council for the Exploration of the Sea
G7 Scientific Advice Cooperation on Microplastics Pollution Roundtable
SAPEA at Science For Policy expert debate
Carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) event at ESOF in Toulouse, France - 11 July 2018
Citizens and science advice event at ESOF in Toulouse, France
Food from the Oceans event in Lisbon, Portugal
SAPEA conference: Shaping European Science Advice: Insights and Experiences, Sofia, Bulgaria
Conference on Carbon Capture and Utilisation Technologies in Ljubljana, Slovenia
Novel carbon capture and utilisation technologies event in Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Royal Irish Academy Breakfast Briefing on Food from the Oceans
Blue innovation: Oceans to feed the planet
Crossing boundaries: new approaches to science for policy in Europe
Food From the Oceans event in Hamburg, Germany
Food from the Oceans at Cardiff International Food and Drink Festival
Food from the Oceans in Bergen, Norway
Upcoming events
- Crisis management
- 8 May 2023
Are we ready for the next cross-border health crisis?
The European Union was not ready for COVID-19, despite the history of the spread of serious infectious diseases and the presence of special services and road maps. The cost of COVID-19 and its cascading effects is still adding up and may soon exceed 3 trillion euros. The probability of such events to occur is difficult to calculate. This is particularly true for new health threats, since mutations occur completely randomly.
- Crisis management
- 17 April 2023
Webinar: Be prepared – Can we forecast the next crisis and be ready to manage it?
When a crisis does strike, what do we need to know in deciding on effective action? How do we make sense of incoming information and data? Is it possible to build trust across our communities, and establish effective communications? Join our panel of experts to discuss these critical issues, where we consider some of the lessons learnt from recent crises and what is needed for the future. You, the audience, will have the opportunity to pose questions and be part of the debate. Our webinar is free and open to all.
- Crisis management
- 23 March 2023
Why do we need public trust in times of crisis?
This event will particularly look into issues of trust between citizens and public institutions. It will discuss why trust in turbulent times of crisis is such an essential principle, how to build it and when, who we trust and why, and who we should trust. It will explore how social sciences, local-embedded knowledge and communities’ perspectives are brought in advising into strategic crisis management.
Past events
- 20 March 2023
- until 22 March 2023
Second Conference on the Ukraine crisis: One Year of War in Ukraine, Exploring the Impact on the Science Sector and Supporting Initiatives
The conference aims to mobilise the scientific community to critically examine the surge of protection and support efforts during the past year and assess ways forward for enhanced long-term support and post-conflict reconstruction.
- 23 February 2023
- until 24 February 2023
Library Talk: Improving crisis management in the EU: a discussion with the Commission’s science and ethics advisors
- 15 December 2022
- until 16 December 2022
European Parliament: STOA Panel for the Future of Science and Technology
This meeting will feature a presentation of our reports on strategic crisis management in Europe, and of the outcomes of the study 'Social approach to the transition to smart cities'.
- 31 January 2023
Putting people first
How do we care for each other, build resilience and solidarity in a world in crisis?
- 24 November 2022
Entangled crises: how can the EU help?
The COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, the war in Ukraine, refugee crises, inflation... these crises and more have recently dominated headlines. They cross national borders and sectors, and are complex and long-term in nature. Evidence shows that the cascading and rippling effects of crises extend to all parts of our society and the natural environment.
- 22 November 2022
Handover of advice on crisis management
Handover of the SAPEA evidence review report, the GCSA scientific opinion and the EGE statement on Strategic Crisis Management in the EU to Commissioner Mariya Gabriel and Commissioner Janez Lenarčič
- 1 November 2022
- until 03 November 2022
Northern European Emergency and Disaster Studies Conference
What is the best response to the contagion of a novel virus? How can the next pandemic be avoided? Is it feasible to halt global warming? And how can we become resilient to more extreme weather events? These are all questions that are fundament to academic disaster studies, but can now be read in the newspapers or heard on the news almost on a daily basis. These questions can only be answered with an inter-disciplinary lens.
- 16 November 2022
COP27 – All things considered: the role of expert advice in climate-related crises
This session discussed the role of expert advice in strategic crisis management.
- 29 September 2022
Integrating research for new cancer screening programmes
In the context of the EU Mission on Cancer and Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, the Scientific Advice Mechanism (SAM) recently produced key recommendations on cancer screening. This scientific opinion, supported by strong and independent scientific evidence, informs the revision of the Council recommendations on cancer screening.
At the light of these renewed cancer screening guidelines, what will be the scientific developments to consider and new research to be started? This will be the focus of the debate.
- 16 July 2022
Apocalypse Tomorrow: What Should Scientists Do to Prepare for the Next Major Crisis?
In the autumn of 2022, the European Commission’s Scientific Advice Mechanism (SAM) will publish a major piece of advice on strategic crisis management for the EU. Based on a broad and multidisciplinary understanding, the work will inform policymakers on how the EU can improve its strategic crisis management. This builds on previous work during the COVID-19 crisis on how to improve pandemic preparedness and management in the EU, conducted in partnership with the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies.
- 19 May 2022
Conference on Improving Cancer Screening in the European Union
The SAPEA Improving Cancer Screening in the European Union report will be presented at a conference co-organized by SAPEA (Science Advice for Policy by European Academies) and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences .
- 18 May 2022
Ciência 2022 (Science 2022)
The annual meeting of science, technology and innovation in Portugal, takes place this year on the 16th, 17th and 18th of May, at the Lisbon Congress Centre.
On day 3, Rebecca Fitzgerald, University of Cambridge is invited to speak during the session Plenária 6: “Cancro: avanços e desafios”
- 13 May 2022
- until 14 May 2022
7th Congress of Preventive Medicine
The 7th Congress of the Section for Preventive Medicine of the Slovenian Medical Association is set in an unprecedented time when public health is at the center of attention of the entire society around the world. In the past, public health professionals have repeatedly wished to receive more attention from other scientific disciplines, societies, policies, and global development efforts. At the last congress five years ago, we almost prophetically ascertained the importance of integration for health and discussed the relationship between the public health profession and society.
- 25 April 2022
Science advice at times of crisis: what roles for universities and academies?
University and academy networks of expertise play a key role at the research-policy interface, but is their role really understood, recognised and sufficiently resourced? And what is their role at times of crisis?
- 28 March 2022
Webinar on Energy efficiency: A science advice perspective
This European Parliament Intergroup webinar will bring together scientific experts, policy advisors, stakeholders and citizen representatives to discuss the future of energy efficiency. Last but not least, this online event will also present recent evidence and policy recommendations delivered by the European Commission’s Scientific Advice Mechanism.
- 27 April 2022
- until 28 April 2022
Conference: Science advice under pressure
This major public conference by the Scientific Advice Mechanism brought together policymakers, science advisors, researchers and other professionals.
- 25 November 2021
- until 26 November 2021
Euro-CASE Annual Conference “Building back better”
The Euro-CASE Annual Conference will be hosted by the Royal Academy of Engineering on the topic of “building back better”, in relation to the tandem challenges of economic recovery from the pandemic and achieving climate neutrality and resilience in Europe by 2050.
- 25 November 2021
The climate and energy transition in the age of transformation
The energy transition requires immediate action science-based advice from the European academies by Filip Johnsson, Professor, Department of Space, Earth and Environment, Energy Technology, IVA Fellow.
- 23 November 2021
Time travel and climate: changing the past to fix the future
What would you do if you invented a time machine? Would you travel back to the past, to alter history or fix mistakes? Or would you rather jump forward, to collect future knowledge and bring back advanced technologies? And how could a time machine help us reinvent our energy system?
- 9 November 2021
Science advice for a clean and fair energy transition: a challenge and a call for action
This panel discussion organized by the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors in collaboration with SAPEA will allow scientists who advise governments and international organizations around the world to present the key messages of their recent joint statement, and to discuss them with representatives from businesses, policy and civil society.
- 11 October 2021
- until 11 October 2021
Transitioning to new energy systems: What impact will it have on society and on our lives?
The most recent report of the IPCC, released in early August, was described by the UN as a ‘code red for humanity’. It states that climate change is widespread, rapid, and intensifying. The world now anticipates November’s global climate conference, COP26, to see how nations respond to this latest stark warning.
- 7 September 2021
Science advice for energy policy: Who’s afraid of epistemic diversity?
What are the challenges in organising, generating and absorbing interdisciplinary science for policy? These key challenges of science advice, revealed by the pandemic, were the focus of a session co-organised by SAPEA, the European Commission Joint Research Centre and the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors as part of the Fourth International Conference on Science Advice to Governments in Québec, Canada.
- 2 July 2021
Energy transition and the EU hydrogen strategy
The European Strategies for Energy System Integration and for Hydrogen have been in the limelight of debates over recent months and a related report was adopted by the Parliament's plenary in May. Furthermore, the European Commission (EC) is now proposing a "Fit for 55" legislative package (expected for 14 July) to fundamentally overhaul the EU's climate policy architecture and put the EU on track towards reaching its target of a 55% net emissions reduction by 2030.
- 24 June 2021
Communicating microplastics risk: Balancing sensation and reflection
SAPEA will organise a workshop at The Future of Science Communication Conference, taking place on 24 and 25 June.
- 16 June 2021
Plastic pollution: Are biodegradable plastics a solution?
Plastic pollution is a worldwide issue of increasing concern. Each year, more and more plastic ends up in the natural environment, raising concerns of risk to the environment, animal and human health. And, while biodegradable plastics could be part of the solution, they also present certain challenges. Many biodegradable plastic products actually biodegrade only in certain specific environments, or only in industrial composting facilities, rather than in the open environment more generally.
- 21 May 2021
Biodegradable plastics: how do we engage with consumers and society?
Public awareness and concern over plastics pollution, especially in open environments such as oceans, rivers and land, are at an all-time high. At the same time, the public is often uncertain and confused about what to do with plastic items after use. The increasing availability of products made from biodegradable plastics is likely to add to the confusion.
- 22 March 2021
Research integrity
During this time of crisis, when policymakers and citizens are listening closely to the advice of scientists, trust in the integrity of research and scientific evidence has never been more important. Policymakers and the public must have confidence that scientists have acted with honesty, and have adhered to principles of rigour, transparency and openness in conducting their research.
- 1 March 2021
Digital media in crisis situations
What has been the role of the media, including social media and local news, on our public debate, attitudes and behaviour during this current pandemic? As we emerge from this crisis, could we rethink the role that media and digital platforms play in facilitating the flow of information and dialogue between experts, policymakers and the public, particularly in emergency situations?
- 11 February 2021
Alternative proteins, consumers and sustainability in Europe: Where next?
We know from reliable evidence that our societies need to transition to a more sustainable food system, so that we can provide enough healthy food for an increasing world population without harming the environment. One well-known recommendation is to promote a shift towards diets with fewer conventional animal products.
- 4 February 2021
Taking action on plastics pollution: are biodegradable plastics the answer?
Every year, more and more plastics end up in our oceans and rivers and on the land. Once there, they pose risks to our environment and the health of living creatures. Conventional plastics persist for centuries, but biodegradable plastics are designed by scientists to break down in a few weeks or years. Could biodegradable plastics help us solve the pollution problem, or are they are a problem in themselves?
- 26 January 2021
Climate change and health
In June 2020 the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors published a Scientific Opinion entitled ‘Adaptation to health effects of climate change in Europe’. This informed the implementation of the European Green Deal and highlights that climate change has consequences for human health. In particular, scientific evidence shows that the increase in heatwaves, infectious and vector borne diseases and extreme events like fires and floods are all having a detrimental effect on human health and need to be addressed urgently.
- 20 January 2021
The special role of chefs in a sustainable food system
In conjunction with the Chefs' Manifesto, part of the SDG2 Advocacy Hub, we hosted a special briefing on how chefs in the EU and globally can contribute to a sustainable food system
- 3 November 2020
Everything you wanted to ask about science advice #AskRolf
Professor Rolf-Dieter Heuer, the Chair of the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors which provides independent scientific advice to the European Commission, will answer your questions and discuss with you how to make politicians listen and understand science and why it is important.
- 22 October 2020
Towards a sustainable food system: the EU’s role in the global transition
Working independently of the European Commission's Scientific Advice Mechanism, a high-level expert panel of the UN's Committee on Food Security has recently delivered evidence-based policy advice on how to transition to a more sustainable food system, and thus work towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Although the SAM focuses on the EU and the UN covers the whole globe, the conclusions reached and the recommendations provided are unequivocal: a transformation of our food system is necessary, and there is a broad scientific consensus on how to achieve this.
- 16 October 2020
Food policy at a time of crisis: What should the future look like?
The global crisis of 2020 has made every one of us aware that 'business as usual' is not an option for future food policy. How have we arrived at where we are now, in terms of the food we eat, where we source it and the impact it has on our planet? What should a transformed future look like? What actions can we all take, collectively and individually, to bring about a sustainable and fair food system that is better for our health, the environment, society and the economy?
- 16 September 2020
Science advice: what works in a crisis?
2020's Covid-19 outbreak has shone the spotlight on science advice like never before. How well are Europe's science advice frameworks standing up to this major stress test?
- 4 September 2020
The EU’s Farm2Fork strategy
The Farm2Fork Strategy aims to promote sustainable food systems by setting concrete targets and establishing an Action plan, annexed to the F2F Strategy. This creates the framework for a real debate on the future of food systems, leading to a legislative proposal for sustainable food systems by 2023.
- 4 September 2020
Policy implications of Transforming the Future of Ageing
For its 2019 report Transforming the future of ageing, SAPEA brought together eminent European scientists to explore and respond to the question “What policies at the EU level could support member states in achieving inclusive, fair and sustainable systems of health and social care to promote the taking-up of innovation for ageing societies?”.
- 2 July 2020
Covid-19 and our food: How is the current crisis affecting how we eat?
The first in our series of webinars on the sustainable food system discussed changes in consumers' attitudes towards food as a public good instead of as a commodity. It confronted the conclusions of the SAPEA report with the challenges and changes observed during the Covid-19 pandemic.
- 16 April 2020
- until 17 April 2020
Erasmus Maris days
SAPEA report will be presented and discussed at an academic conference in Spain. The event takes place on 16 and 17 April 2020.
