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.

Lecturers and organising committee

Noel Klima

Noel Klima is coordinator of the interdisciplinary consortium with focus on societal impact IDC Crime, Criminology & Criminal Policy based at the Institute for International Research on Criminal Policy (IRCP).

Emilie Peeters

Emilie Peeters currently works a policy officer within International Centre for Reproductive Health – ICRH Belgium (a WHO collaborating centre at UGent) and for the ANSER international network (Academic Network for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Policy) at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, that both focus on sexual and reproductive health, with a strong emphasis on policy influencing.

Topic

“Science for Policy” has to be considered from a multi- or interdisciplinary perspective in today's complex realities, emphasizing the relevance of evidence-based or evidence-informed policymaking. The intricacies of contemporary challenges, ranging from global wicked problems like climate change to nuanced local issues, demand a comprehensive understanding that goes beyond the confines of single disciplines.

From a scientific viewpoint, the interdisciplinary approach acknowledges the interconnected nature of these challenges, allowing for a nuanced examination of the multifaceted factors at play. This recognition is fundamental for constructing evidence-based policies that accurately reflect the complexities of real-world problems. In an era where global issues have cascading local impacts, an interdisciplinary lens ensures that policies address both the overarching problems and the unique challenges faced by local communities. 

On a societal level, evidence-based policymaking becomes indispensable for effective problem-solving. By integrating knowledge from various disciplines, policymakers can design interventions that not only consider the broader context but also account for the specific needs and circumstances of local communities. This approach fosters a more inclusive and responsive governance model, where policies are tailored to address the diverse and context-specific challenges faced by different regions. 

For young researchers, engaging in interdisciplinary policy-informing provides a direct pathway to take up their societal role to contribute to improve policymaking based on scientific evidence. It empowers them to bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that their research insights directly inform policies. This is particularly pertinent when addressing wicked problems that require adaptive and context-specific solutions. By actively participating in evidence-based policymaking, young researchers not only contribute to addressing global challenges but also play a pivotal role in finding locally relevant solutions that resonate with the unique circumstances of communities.

Dates and venue

28/05: Campus Aula - Universiteitstraat 4 - Room – 06.18.130.003 – IRCP Large Meeting Room

13/06: Campus Aula - Lokaal 8.6 Rode Zaal Universiteitstraat - Oude school

Both days from 9h until 12h30

Programme

Session 1: Theoretical session

How to translate science to policy

Session 2: 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 the 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.