From Citizen Science to Decision-Making for Climate Change Adaptation: Join Us in Brussels on 12 March 2026
On 12 March 2026, the ScienceUs project will host a one-day event in Brussels dedicated to a crucial question for Europe’s climate resilience:
How can citizen science be better translated, valued, and used in decision-making for climate change adaptation?
Titled “From citizen science to decision-making for climate change adaptation”, this special gathering will bring together citizen science practitioners, funders, policymakers, and researchers from across Europe. Through inspiring talks, interactive formats, and peer exchange, we will explore the opportunities, impacts, and challenges of strengthening the role of citizen science results in inclusive public decision-making.
What the day is about:
Citizen science is generating valuable observations, data, and community knowledge across Europe—often in direct connection with local climate risks. Yet turning these contributions into real policy influence still requires:
Mutual understanding between citizen science and public authorities
An enabling environment (funding, recognition, standards, and trust)
Clear pathways for evidence uptake in policy and planning
Practical mechanisms to boost impact, inclusion, and legitimacy
This event is designed to move beyond general discussion and focus on concrete approaches, lessons learned, and next steps to support climate adaptation policymaking.
Who should attend
This event is relevant for:
Citizen science projects and networks
Local, regional, and national policymakers working on adaptation
Funding bodies and programme managers
Researchers and science-policy interface actors
Public administrations, practitioners, and intermediaries supporting participation and impact
What to expect
Across a full day, you will engage in:
Interactive exploration of what citizen science is and how it supports adaptation
Exchanges with funders and decision-makers on valuing citizen science contributions
Practical discussion on translating results and data into inclusive policymaking
Inspiration from Brussels-based initiatives connecting citizen science with policy
A World Café format designed for hands-on feedback, practice sharing, and networking
Multiple moments to meet the 5 ScienceUs projects and learn directly from their work
Αgenda - 12 March 2026
08:30 – Registration and coffee
09:30 – Welcome words
09:40 – Introducing the ScienceUs Project and Consortium
09:50 – What is Citizen Science (app session)
From funders to decision-makers: translating and valuing citizen science contributions
10:00 – Citizen Science in action: Meet the 5 ScienceUs projects
10:15 – Q&A
10:30 – Uncovering the past and future roadmap of Citizen Science, from funding bodies’ perspective
Long-term vision on Citizens’ Science, and existing funding opportunities – Georgios Papanagnou – DG Research & Innovation- European Commission
Funding Co-creation and next Citizen Science dynamics in Brussels – Xavier Hulhoven – Innoviris
11:00 – Coffee break
From results to policy: decision-making perspectives
11:30 – Translating Citizen Science results and data into inclusive policymaking, from a national and local policy-makers’ perspective
12:15 – Interactive panel:
“From funders to decision makers; How to better translate and value Citizen Science contributions to inclusive decision-making processes”
13:00 – Walking lunch
Inspiration and networking with Brussels initiatives
14:00 – Inspire: Meet the 5 ScienceUs projects
14:15 – Q&A
14:30 – Get inspired: Discover 5 inspiring past and present projects based in Brussels implementing Citizen Science within local, regional or national policy- making processes
15:00 – Network: World Café
World Café featuring Citizen Science initiatives with concrete feedback and practices sharing on Citizen Science methodologies, upscaling and impact on policies
17:00 – Drink
Registration
Registration is closed.
“Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.”