Science-Policy Interface for Scientists: An (Inter)national Perspective | SYNESPOD workshop

This course is aimed at international researchers in Switzerland and provides them with practical knowledge about both the international and national science-policy interface; so they are not only scientifically competent but also politically savvy – to be able to  shape changes and institutions that benefit the entire society. Participants learn in this intensive training to identify the right stakeholders in international politics and institutions, as well as in parliaments and administrations on (sub)national level in Switzerland and understand how they can effectively engage in political affairs. They learn how to contextualize their statements in the political discourse, assess their public impact, and protect themselves from being instrumentalized.

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Participants will specifically

• be introduced to science for policy and the role of science and research in multilateral policy;
• understand mechanisms and strategies to work at the science-policy interface;
• learn different ways of policy engagement;
• become familiar with the basics of the Swiss political system;
• understand the distinct roles of researchers in the national policy making process;
• get to know the relevant intermediary actors between research and politics in Switzerland and globally;
• learn to translate their research for political and public discourse.

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This course is for researchers on all career levels and from all disciplines.

IMPORTANT: To ensure a balanced group of participants, your application will only be confirmed after all applications have been reviewed.

The workshop is hosted by the Swiss Young Academy (SYA) project “Swiss Young Network for Science Policy and Diplomacy” (SYNESPOD) in collaboration with the Geneva Science-Policy Interface and the Franxini Project by Reatch.

More about the previous edition of the training is available here.

Go to this link for more information, schedule and registration (open until Mar 22, 2026, 5:00 PM).

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