Doctoral School

Science for Policy Training

Cluster

Research and Valorization

Target audience

Doctoral candidates who are interested in engaging with policy makers and inform policies in their discipline.

Description

In today's complex realities, the interaction between science and policy is critical when we want to address the wicked problems of our time. It demands for a multidisciplinary approach, recognizing the interconnected nature of contemporary challenges and the necessity for evidence-informed policymaking.

 The course "Science for Policy" serves as a crucial bridge between scientific research and effective policymaking, recognizing the importance of engaging in policy as a researcher. Throughout the course, participants will engage in a blend of theoretical approaches and practical skill-building aimed at bridging the gap between science and policy. Drawing on real-world examples of evidence-to-policy translation work conducted by the lecturers, participants will explore the details of researchers' engagement with policymakers,  uncovering opportunities for direct action, where evidence can drive policy decisions with tangible impacts. Moreover, the course will provide hands-on experience in developing a policy brief, ensuring that participants not only understand the theoretical underpinnings but also acquire practical skills essential for effective communication in the policymaking arena.

Objectives

Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of

  • the significance of evidence-based policymaking from scientific and societal viewpoints.
  • the challenges and opportunities inherent in the science-policy interface
  • applying evidence-informed approaches in their respective fields and contributing meaningfully to evidence-based policymaking.
  • the practical skills required to translate scientific research into policy briefings.

Lecturers

Noel Klima coordinates the IDC Crime, Criminology & Criminal Policy consortium based at the Institute for International Research on Criminal Policy (IRCP). With extensive experience bridging research, practice, and policy, he has worked with organizations such as the Federal Public Service Home Affairs, the European Crime Prevention Network, and the United Nations. Noel is a trainer for the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre's Train-the-Trainer Programme on Science for Policy and is actively involved in diverse Engaged Learning initiatives such as ‘Engaged Learning in Europe’. He serves at the Editorial Board of Societal Impacts (Elsevier) and the Freedom from Fear Magazine, published by the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute. Additionally, he co-founded RadiLab – UGent Impact Lab for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE), collaborating with policymakers and is a member of the International Network for Governmental Science Advice (INGSA).

 

Emilie Peeters is a policy officer at the International Centre for Reproductive Health (ICRH) at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. In that role she coordinates the international academic network on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), ANSER, that aims to build evidence for SRHR policies. She began her career as a parliamentary assistant to Belgian senator and gynaecologist Marleen Temmerman, later advocating for sexual and reproductive health with various international NGOs. Emilie also ran for elections herself three times, served on the Council of Public Social Welfare (OCMW) in Ghent and as the local president of the socialist party Vooruit. Today she is still an elected member of the City Council of Ghent. With a background in Political Sciences, she champions sexual and reproductive health as crucial in addressing inequality, bridging academia and policymaking to provide expertise at the science-policy interface.

Dates and venue

28/05/24, 9:00 - 12:00 CEST: Campus Aula - Universiteitstraat 4 - Room – 06.18.130.003 – IRCP Large Meeting Room

13/06/24, 9:00 - 12:00 CEST: Campus Aula - Lokaal 8.6 Rode Zaal Universiteitstraat - Oude school

Programme

  • 28 May 2024: Theoretical session - How to translate science to policy
  • 13 June 2024: Practical session - How to write a policy brief

Registration

Follow this link for the registration list. 

Registration fee

Free of charge for Doctoral School members.

Number of participants

Maximum 20

Language

English

Evaluation method

Participants are expected to attend both sessions and participate actively in the interactive part of the sessions.

After successful participation, the Doctoral Schools will add this course to your curriculum of the Doctoral Training Programme in Oasis. Please note that this can take up to one to two months after completion of the course.