This month’s Newsletter highlights fun science for policy summer activities that you can jump into this August! This ranges from a list of science for policy book recommendations, to a Sci-Art exhibition hosted by the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, and the EGU’s Science for Policy Hangout.

Summer is also a great time to reflect on your career and learn more about the upcoming needs of the EU’s policy community. The second half of this month’s newsletter shares an open call for the European Commission’s BlueBook Traineeship as well as an overview of the upcoming policy priorities of the EU institutions.

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 or on the EGU’s official Science for Policy Twitter Account, @EGU_Policy.

Wishing you a relaxing and restorative summer break,
Chloe Hill, EGU Policy Manager

Whether you’re lounging by the pool, enjoying a picnic in the park, or resting after a long day in the field, summer is the perfect backdrop for getting lost in a good read. Last month’s #GeoPolicy blog post highlights several books that have been recommended by experts working on the science-policy interface that provide insights into policymaking and can help researchers have a policy impact.

These reads can be both a relaxing and engaging way to enjoy the quieter moments of summer while also giving you an overview of policymaking processes and tips on how to more effectively engage. With recommendations in the blog post ranging from A Reporter’s Guide to the EU to the science-fiction The Dispossessed, so there’s something on this reading list for everyone!

You can read the full blog post and find your summer #SciPol reading material here.

NaturArchy is the fourth edition of the European Commission Joint Research Centre’s SciArt flagship, which fosters collaborations between artists, scientists, and policymakers. NaturArchy aims to reimagine our relationship with nature and the environment through artistic, scientific, and legal expressions.

After two years of deep inquiry, research, and co-creation between artists, scientists, and European policymakers, the NaturArchy art and science works are open to the public in Brussels to view. The art and science works range from global oceans to water flows, from contamination and bacteria to climate tipping points, pollinators, and landscapes of natural hazards.

The exhibition is being hosted at the iMAL - Art Center for Digital Cultures & Technology in Brussels until 29 September 2024. You can read more about the exhibition, its opening hours, and the project that created it here.

If you’d like to connect and chat with others interested and working on the science-policy interface this summer, then don’t miss EGU’s virtual Science for Policy Hangouts! These Hangouts are hosted on the first Monday of each month at 14:00 CET. Each month, one science for policy initiative or topic is featured (sometimes with a guest speaker) and participants are given the time and space to meet those in the virtual room and join in on the conversation. It’s a great way to have your science-policy questions answered and network with those engaging in geoscience-relevant policy issues.

The next virtual Science for Policy Hangout will be hosted on Monday 2 September at 14:00 CET. You can already register here to receive a reminder about the meeting.

Summer is also a great time to reflect on the work that you’re doing and apply for new opportunities! The European Commission currently has an open call for its 5-month Blue Book Traineeship. These traineeships not only provide a stepping stone for those looking to transition into a more policy-driven career but also give scientists who want to stay in research new insights into how evidence can be used to support decision-making processes!

While the exact activities undertaken by the trainee will vary depending on the policy area and service, some examples of activities that you may undertake during a Traineeship include: attending and organising meetings, conducting research, drafting and editing policy documents, and answering enquiries.

The Commission doesn’t specifically target scientists in the application process but often those with specific expertise are welcome. You can read more about the Traineeship and apply here before 10:00 CEST on 30 August 2024.

The European Commission

Understanding the priorities of the European policy institutions can help you and your institution create a more effective strategy for policy engagement! On 18 July 2024, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who was elected for a second mandate, presented her Political Guidelines for the next five years (2024-2029). These guidelines emphasised a number of policy priority areas as well as the need to focus on the implementation of legislation, including those related to the Green Deal, that have already passed. “We must and will stay the course on all of our goals, including those set out in the European Green Deal. Our focus must now be on implementing what we have agreed.”

Some other key areas highlighted in the Political Guidelines include a Clean Industrial Deal, European defence and security, protecting democracy, and food security. You can read more details about these priorities in the Political Guidelines. You can also watch von der Leyen outline her vision and plans as Commission President followed by a debate with Members of the European Parliament, here.

The European Parliament

The start of the European Parliament’s new legislative term, which officially started on 16 July 2024, saw the establishment of its political groups. While no member can be forced to vote in a particular way, these political groups will often agree on their collective position on a legislation or amendment ahead of time and this generally dictates how the majority of those in the political group will vote.

With 50% of the MEPs in the Parliament being elected for their first term, there will be lots of new faces in these political groups! You can read more about some of the Parliament’s demographic changes here and how to follow along with their discussions and votes here. You can also see legislation that the European Parliament is scheduled to work on in the new legislative term here.