Science for Policy Workshop in Biodiversity and Beyond
Data:
Luogo:
WSL Birmensdorf, Englersaal
Organizzato da:
Biodiversity Center, WSL
Relatore/relatrice:
Various speakers (see below)
Moderatore/moderatrice:
Cédric Bolli (ETH Zurich), Jialin Zhang (Eawag), Sabine Hoffmann (Eawag)
Lingua:
English
Tipo di evento:
Corsi
Pubblico principale:
Anyone interested in the topics
The WSL-Eawag Biodiversity Center is pleased to announce a one-day workshop for Early Career Researchers interested in engaging at the science-policy interface. The workshop combines expert perspectives, participatory methods, and peer exchange to help participants develop practical approaches for connecting research, policy, and practice.
At a time of growing misinformation and democratic backsliding, the role of science in policymaking is under increasing pressure. Yet the need for evidence-informed policy has rarely been greater. In biodiversity research and management, questions about which measures to take, how to put them into practice, and how to deal with trade-offs and unequal impacts are ultimately negotiated in the policy arena. These issues are particularly urgent as Switzerland moves forward with its revised Biodiversity Strategy and countries around the world work to implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Researchers therefore have an important role to play at the science-policy interface, contributing evidence, critical reflection, and constructive engagement to policy processes.
About this workshop ¶
The workshop is designed to help Early Career Researchers build the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and networks needed to engage effectively at the science-policy interface. It brings together insights from researchers and practitioners working in this field with interactive formats, including a fishbowl discussion, LEGO® Serious Play®, a design thinking sprint, and structured peer exchange.
Rather than relying on lectures, the workshop is built around active participation and learning by doing. Participants will gain practical experience with different methods, reflect on their strengths and limitations, and consider how they could be applied in their own research and engagement activities.
No previous experience in science-policy engagement is required.
Program ¶
Morning: Concepts and perspectives
The morning begins with insights from a researcher and a practitioner working at the science-policy interface. This is followed by a fishbowl discussion exploring different ways of understanding the science-policy interface, the roles researchers can play, and the particular challenges and opportunities involved in biodiversity research and management.
Afternoon: Methods and tools
The afternoon includes two hands-on sessions:
- Reflecting on Science-Policy Engagement through Serious Play
- Design Thinking for Science-Policy Engagement
Participants will try out these methods, reflect on their strengths and limitations, and consider how they could be applied in their own research and engagement activities.
The day concludes with a collective sharing round and an introduction to follow-up opportunities and resources available through the Community of Practice.
How to join ¶
The workshop is open to Early Career Researchers from WSL and Eawag.
Around 25 places are available and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants are expected to attend the full workshop and take an active part in the discussions and practical sessions.
Please register using the online registration form by 7 August 2026. Registration may close earlier if all places are filled.
Lunch and coffee breaks are provided.
For questions, please contact Jialin Zhang at Jialin.zhang(at)eawag.ch.
This workshop is funded by the WSL-Eawag Biodiversity Center and supported by members of the Community of Practice established through the ETH Domain Joint Initiative ENGAGE.
WSL-Eawag Biodiversity Center ¶
The WSL-Eawag Biodiversity Center is a strategic, interdisciplinary initiative to promote, further develop, and consolidate research and outreach in biodiversity science at WSL and Eawag.
To find out more about the WSL-Eawag Biodiversity Center and a complete list of events, please visit our website.
Please send an email to events-biodiversity(at)wsl.ch if you would like to be updated on the activities of the WSL Biodiversity Center.