Dear EGU Expert,

This month’s Science for Policy Newsletter shares the open call for EGU's 2026 Science-Policy Pairing Scheme and the EGU-ESA Climate Office Mentoring Scheme for PhD candidates. It also highlights the EGU's external science for policy events calendar and the expert roster for CO-OP4CBD (Cooperation for the Convention on Biological Diversity) for those working on biodiversity-related topics.

If you have any further questions or comments about the policy resources and opportunities that exist for scientists in Europe, don't hesitate to get in touch!

Wishing you a nice summer,

Science for Policy Team

If you’re curious about science for policy and would like to experience life inside the European Parliament, then don’t hesitate to apply for the 2026 EGU Science-Policy Pairing Scheme! We are pleased to announce that this year’s pairing will be with MEP Dimitris Tsiodras, who is co-chairing the MEP Group on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development.

The successful applicant will join Mr Tsiodras and his team in Brussels from 3-6 November 2026 and will participate in various meetings and aspects of the policymaking process. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the role of science in policymaking and potentially provide expertise on a science-policy issue.

Researchers working on water scarcity and resilience, circular economy and pollution, and safe and sustainable chemicals are particularly encouraged to apply. You can read more about the Pairing Scheme here and learn about the experiences of previous Pairing Scheme participants here.

To apply, please fill in the application form, attaching a CV (max 2-page) and a cover letter outlining your motivation by midnight on Tuesday 1 September 2026.

The European Space Agency (ESA) is the leading body for space-related activities in Europe. The ESA Climate Office serves as the focal point for the Agency's climate activities, aiming to increase the availability and use of global, satellite-based Earth observation data for decision-making.

The ESA Climate Office is inviting applications for a one-year mentoring scheme starting from September 2026. The Scheme aims to support three PhD candidates with professional orientation and personal development. The mentees will be matched with ESA Climate Office members based on shared interests. EGU will also provide the mentees with a registration fee waiver for EGU27.

The programme is open to PhD candidates enrolled at institutions in ESA Member States, Associated Members, or countries with a Cooperation Agreement with ESA. If you are eligible and interested, you can learn more here and apply by 31 July 2026.

The EGU's external science for policy events calendar is regularly updated with events and webinars that may be of interest to EGU members wanting to engage in specific policies or more generally in the science-policy interface. These events either discuss various scientific areas within a policy context or explicitly focus on knowledge brokerage, science advice, and the science-policy ecosystem.

Feel free to check the calendar out here! You are also welcome to use the meeting submission form if you are interested in adding other events that you think are relevant.

The CO-OP4CBD (Cooperation for the Convention on Biological Diversity) is a Horizon Europe project that aims to strengthen the engagement of EU Member States and Associated Countries in the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and its Subsidiary Bodies.

The project is currently inviting specialists, researchers, and practitioners from EU Member States and Associated Countries to join a dedicated database to bring together expertise on biodiversity. Members of this group will be able to contribute to UN CBD-related dialogues, policy consultations, capacity-building workshops, and other collaborative research and advisory activities.

If you are an expert from EU Member States and Associated Countries who is involved in biodiversity science, policy, and implementation, you can read more here and register using this form on a rolling basis.