The tentative five-day program below includes learning and interactive sessions at the intersection of science, communication, and policy. Each day focuses on specific themes designed to build your knowledge and practical skills progressively.
Daily Themes
Monday, August 18: Welcome & Science-Policy Interface
The first day introduces the fundamental concepts of science-policy interactions. You’ll explore how researchers can contribute to policymaking, learn about science for global policy, and discuss innovation in policy contexts.
Tuesday, August 19: Global Challenges & Systems Thinking
Day two focuses on complex global challenges requiring interdisciplinary approaches. Topics include digitalization/AI, sustainability transitions, EU policy frameworks, and workshops on taking action beyond academia.
Wednesday, August 20: Communication & Engagement
The third day is dedicated to communication and stakeholder engagement. You’ll participate in policy brief workshops, explore business perspectives on science-policy interfaces, and engage in panel discussions featuring different policy perspectives.
Thursday, August 21: Media & Public Engagement
Day four builds on your communication skills with a focus on media engagement and public outreach. Sessions cover science journalism, citizen science, policy implementation and include outdoor team activities.
Friday, August 22: Negotiation & Synthesis
The final day focuses on developing negotiation skills through interactive workshops. You’ll practice applying these techniques in sustainability contexts before the farewell session.
Daily Schedule Framework
Each day generally follows this structure:
- Morning: Lectures and discussions
- Midday: Lunch and networking
- Afternoon: Interactive workshops and group activities
- Evening: Dinner and social activities
| Monday – 18.08.2025 | Tuesday – 19.08.2025 | Wednesday – 20.08.2025 | Thursday – 21.08.2025 | Friday – 22.08.2025 | |
| Time | Science – Policy Interface | Global Sustainability Challenges | Engagement | Communication | Negotiations |
| 9:00 | Arrival | Digitalization & AI Alexander Barclay | Science policy in the EU Filipa Vala | Workshop on science communication Mathieu Chaffard | Negotiation workshop Dr Jack Williams |
| 10:00 | Welcome | Tragedy of the Commons | Renewable Energy and Biodiversity Dr Sascha Nick | ||
| 11:00 | Inaugural Lecture Pr Anthony Patt | Planetary limits Pr Julia Steinberger | World Economic Forum Erin Skoczylas | Practices for science-policy engagement Benedikt Knüsel | |
| 12:00 | The role of researchers in policymaking Dr Benjamin Hoffman | MDPI Dr Liliane Auwerter | Scientific Institutions and Policymakers Dr Philipp Langer | Rosy Mondardini | |
| 12:45 | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch |
| 14:00 | Science for Global Policy Making Workshop Dr Mialy Rann and Melisa Gomis | How to take action – workshop Pr Ginie Servant Miklos | Panel discussion: Policy from different perspectives | Experiences of Working with policymakers and citizens in cities Pr Daniel Gatica-Perez | Negotiation workshop Dr Jack Williams |
| 15:00 | Policy brief workshop Marie-Valentine Florin | Sustainability and Science Communication Dr Yasmine Farhat | |||
| 16:00 | Outdoor Activity | Farewell session | |||
| 17:00 | Policymaking and innovation Pr Dominique Foray | Departure | |||
| 18:00 | Ice Breaker | Free time | Free time | ||
| 18:30 | Dinner | Dinner | Dinner | Dinner | |
| 20:00 | Social Time | Movie screening and discussion | Social Time | Social Time |
Assessment
For participants seeking credits (2 ECTS), the assessment will be based on:
- Active participation in workshops and the negotiation simulation
- Submission of a policy brief related to your research (due one week after the summer school)
For more details about registration, please visit our Registration page. If you have questions about the program, contact us at science2action@epfl.ch.