Science is a key driver of progress and innovation in our societies. It provides the evidence base for policies that shape our lives, and it generates the knowledge and technologies that fuel economic growth and improve human well-being. Yet, science is not a solitary endeavour: it relies on collaboration, communication, and networking across disciplines, institutions, and countries. Thus, scientific networks and lobbies have a vital role in shaping our society and the research landscape of a region.
Scientific networks in Europe do have a long tradition, but they have the potential to be developed further and achieve greater impact if their funding, structure, and visibility is strengthened. Investing in scientific networks can strengthen Europe’s research and innovation capacity, boost collaboration across disciplines and sectors, and improve the translation of research into policy and practice.
This event aims to explore the opportunities and challenges of scientific networks in Europe and identify strategies to enhance their impact and sustainability.
For this purpose, the event will feature several panel discussions with renowned experts on currently relevant topics such as:
- The potential of scientific networks to enhance research mobility and collaboration
- The contributions of scientific diasporas to improve and homogenise the European research and innovation landscape
- The sustainability and governance of scientific networks
- The challenges and opportunities of interdisciplinarity and cross-sectoral collaboration within and among scientific networks
- The role of scientific networks in shaping European evidence-informed policies
- The importance of promoting versatile scientific profiles, who can transition from academia to industrial or institutional roles, thereby enhancing the integration of science within our society.
We would like to invite researchers, policymakers, funders, practitioners, and stakeholders from different fields and sectors to join us in this timely and important discussion on how to consolidate scientific networks as an important bridge between European science and guide evidence-based policy.