The European Commission plays a central role in strengthening the Science for Policy Ecosystem across Europe. Its efforts aim to ensure that scientific knowledge is effectively used in policymaking at all levels – European, local, regional, and national.
What is Science for Policy?
Science for Policy (S4P) refers to the use of scientific evidence, expertise, and knowledge to improve policymaking.
In this context, science helps to:
- Identify and understand policy challenges
- Identify and evaluate interventions and policy alternatives
- Make informed decisions
- Design effective interventions
By integrating science into policymaking, governments can create policies that are more effective, evidence-based, and aligned with the needs of society.
The Role of the European Commission
The Pact for Research and Innovation in Europe, adopted by the Council in November 2021, highlighted the need to reinforce the science-policy interface in Europe, a goal reiterated and further developed during the European Research and Innovation Area Committee (ERAC) Policy Debate on a European S4P ecosystem in June 2023. Most recently, in December 2023, the Council Conclusions reaffirmed the importance of strengthening the role and impact of research and innovation in the Union's policymaking process, calling on the Commission to step up its efforts in this area. To implement this mandate the Commission proposed a dedicated S4P action under the European Research Area (ERA) Policy Agenda 2025-2027, endorsed by the Council in May 2025, supported by a Horizon Europe call under the WIDERA work programme 2025.
Our objectives
The European Commission works closely with national governments, research communities, and knowledge brokers to:
- Encourage exchange and learning: through networks, communities of practice, and joint initiatives to share knowledge and experiences
- Develop S4P skills and capacity: help researchers and policymakers develop the skills and institutions they need to work together effectively
- Align R&I policy to better support S4P: addressing structural issues such as research careers and assessment, mobility, and funding for policy-relevant research
- Map, assess and promote good practices: identify what works and share these practices across Europe
By achieving these objectives, the Commission aims to make science a natural part of every policy decision that impacts European citizens.
Key Actions and Resources
Actions and Instruments
- European Research Area (ERA) Policy Agenda 2025-2027 action on Advancing the European Science for Policy (S4P) ecosystem
- Horizon Europe WIDERA call on strengthening of the European Science for Policy Ecosystem (HORIZON-WIDERA-2025-06)
- Horizon Europe Policy Support Facility - Mutual Learning Exercise on Bridging the gap between Science and Policy
- EU valorisation policy to maximise the social and economic value of research and innovation in Europe
- Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (COARA)
- Technical Support Instrument project - Reforms for Science for Policy in 7 Member States
Resources
Analysis and Foresight
- Commission Staff Working Document: Supporting and connecting policymaking in the Member States with scientific research (2022)
- Policy brief: Futures of Science for Policy in Europe: Scenarios and Policy Implications
Mutual Learning Exercise on Bridging the gap between Science and Policy
- Factsheet: Bridging the gap between science and policy
- Final report: Mutual learning exercise on bridging the gap between science and policy
- Thematic reports
Platforms
- JRC Knowledge for policy platform, a platform to share evidence and insights for policymaking
Actors
- European Commission Scientific Advice Mechanism (SAM): provides independent scientific evidence and policy recommendations to the European institutions by request of the College of Commissioners
- European Commission Joint Research Center (JRC): provides scientific support to EU policymaking to positively impact society
- European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies (EGE): provides the Commission, European Parliament and the Council with independent opinions on how EU policies should take account of ethical, societal and fundamental rights issues as science and new technologies advances
- European Parliament Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA): provides scientific and technological advice to the European Parliament
- European Science Advisors Forum (ESAF): a network of national scientific advisors to promote collaboration and knowledge exchange
- European Parliamentary Technology Assessment (EPTA) Network: a network of advisory bodies providing scientific advice and technology assessments to parliaments across Europe
- EU Agencies Network on Scientific Advice (EU-ANSA)
