The green and digital transition is an emerging priority topic of the European Commission as well as for many national and regional governments. The intake of scientific expertise is essential to analyse the related policy challenges and develop possible solutions. Yet, scientists often are disconnected from policymaking or are discouraged by the political system to provide expertise or give advice to policymakers.

The ERASMUS+ project “Enhancing Institutional Capacities and Researchers' Competencies for Policy Engagement for Green and Digital Transitions" (ENGAGEgreen) and the Mercator Science-Policy Fellowship-Programme connect scientists with policymakers to foster dialogue, mutual understanding, and networks.

This dissemination conference will present and discuss cases of innovative science for policy activities and formats that address issues related to climate change, environmental protection, sustainable finance, digital transformation, and higher education management.

  9:30        Arrival of participants & registration

10:00        Welcome address by Dr Hanno Pfeil,  Director of the Representation of the State of Rhineland-Palatinate to the EU and Head of Department “European and International Cooperation, Sustainability"

10:10        The ENGAGEgreen project – Approach, Outcomes, Impact
   PD Dr Simone Haasler (Goethe-University/Rhine-Main-Universities)

10:30        Session 1: Developing Local Open Data Infrastructure and Assessing AI`s Potential for Public Service Provisions

• Dr Jakub Konicek (Palacký University Olomouc, Czechia): University Engagement in Supporting Local Policy Development and Implementation
• Michael Skacel (Head of Support and Data Processing Department at Regional Authority of Olomouc Region, Czechia): Science-Policy Collaborations to  Develop Local Open Data Infrastructure
• Professor Petra Ahrweiler (Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz): Using AI for Public Service Provision 
• Moderator: Martina Miechova (Project Manager and Coordinator, Palacký University Olomouc, Czechia)

12:00        Lunch break and poster session

13:00        Session 2: Green Transition and Citizen Involvement

• Elena Donazzan (MEP, Vice Chair of the Committee on Industry, Research and Environment) Video message
• Enol Nieto Jiménez (Beta Technological Center/Central University of Vic) The ENGAGEgreen Erasmus+ experience
• Stefano Campostrini (Ca` Foscari University of Venice) Planetary Health and Translating science into policy
• Gaetane Ricard-Nihoul (Directorate-General for Communication/European Commission)
• Moderator: Enrico Brivio (Coordinator for inter-institutional Relations, Directorate General for Environment)

14:30        Coffee break

15:00        Session 3: Water and Soil: From Research to Public Policies for Environmental Protection

General discussion:

• Susana Vílchez Tornero (University of Granada - Director of the Biotechnological Institute)
• Marta Iglesias (European Commission Senior Policy Officer DG AGRI)
• Katie Sandwell (Transnational Institute)
• Hermann Kam (Institute for European Environmental Policy)
• Miguel Cañedo-Argüelles (European Research Center, IDAEA)
• Moderator: PD Dr Simone Haasler (Goethe-University/Rhine-Main-Universities)

Round tables:

• Carla Febrer (Beta Technological Center/University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia)
• Bertrand Vallet  (European Commission, Policy Officer)
• Melanie Muro (Institute for European Environment Policy)
• Enol Nieto (Beta Technological Center/University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia)
• Moderators: Ana Mª Arbeláez: (Wageningen University) and David Corado (University of Granada)

16:30        Coffee break 

17:00        Strengthening the Science-Policy Interface. Insights from the Universities Policy Engagement Network Arlene Holmes Henderson (University of Durham)

17:20        Session 4: Towards a European Science-Policy Ecosystem

Panel discussion 1 (17:20-17:50):  Innovative formats in policy engagement: Unlocking the potential of students, dialogue opportunities and the exchange of ideas

• Professor Andreas Engel (Goethe-University Frankfurt) 
• Dr Jakub Konicek (Palacky University)
• Florence Belaën and Anouk Deraze (Université Lumière Lyon 2) 
• Professor Stefano Campostrini (Ca` Foscari University of Venice)
• Moderator: David Corado (University of Granada)

Panel discussion 2 (18:00-18:40): The role of universities in promoting a European Science for Policy Ecosystem 

• Ada Domingo Ferrer (Beta Technological Center/University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia)
• Jim Dratwa (Policy lead, Science for Policy, Directorate-General Research and Innovation, European Commission) 
• Anastasia Deligkiaouri (Policy Analyst, Joint Research Centre, European Commission)
• Professor Jean-Christophe Mauduit (University College London)
• Moderator: Tome Sandevski (Goethe-University Frankfurt)

18:45 Reception, networking and poster sessiont