At this one-day event, you will get insights on and discuss about relevant topics at the nexus of biodiversity and climate change. Various representatives from the international Science-Policy Interfaces IPBES and the IPCC will be present to share their experience of working in such an environment. The event seeks to connect the two communities, nationally as well as internationally, in order to foster cooperation and knowledge exchange. More about this event
Location: Gurten Pavillon; Gurtenkulm 10, 3084 Wabern bei Bern
While interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research are increasingly championed for their potential to solve complex societal challenges, they face significant systemic barriers, particularly in how they are assessed.
A competencies framework for addressing complex societal challenges
How do researchers and policymakers collaborate effectively under uncertainty and time pressure? A new competencies framework, published by the Engage initiative, offers a structured answer. It identifies four capacities — cognitive, spatial-temporal, relational, and reflexive — that enable meaningful science–policy dialogue, and is accompanied by a cartoon series and a growing Community of Practice.
A competencies framework for addressing complex societal challenges
How do researchers and policymakers collaborate effectively under uncertainty and time pressure? A new competencies framework, published by the Engage initiative, offers a structured answer. It identifies four capacities — cognitive, spatial-temporal, relational, and reflexive — that enable meaningful science–policy dialogue, and is accompanied by a cartoon series and a growing Community of Practice.
The food system encompasses all the actors that feed us: farmers, processing companies, retailers, restaurants, and consumers. This complex network faces growing challenges: climate variations, rising production costs, and societal demands for affordable and healthy products. To address these challenges, our food systems must become more resilient while remaining sustainable. At ETH Zurich, we have developed an approach to help regional policymakers transform their regional food systems.
The food system encompasses all the actors that feed us: farmers, processing companies, retailers, restaurants, and consumers. This complex network faces growing challenges: climate variations, rising production costs, and societal demands for affordable and healthy products. To address these challenges, our food systems must become more resilient while remaining sustainable. At ETH Zurich, we have developed an approach to help regional policymakers transform their regional food systems.
Bridging Science and Society: New Swiss Young Academy Report Highlights Innovative Teaching Formats
How can universities better prepare students to collaborate with society and address real-world challenges? A new publication by members of the Swiss Young Academy takes a close look at this question — and offers practical answers for educators and institutions across Switzerland.
“Innovative Teaching Formats at the Science-Society Interface: Reflections and Future Directions in Swiss Higher Education“ is the latest report by Benjamin Hofmann, Clara Zemp, Sandra Bärnreuther, and project assistant Morgane Genin. Rooted in hands-on experiences and supported by examples from Swiss higher education, the report explores how teaching formats can meaningfully connect academic learning with societal needs.
Ever wondered if your research has shaped public policy? Sage Policy Profiles, a free tool from Sage Publishing, lets you find out. Powered by Overton’s database of more than 10 million policy documents, the platform allows researchers to search their name or ORCID ID to see where their work has been cited or mentioned in policy papers worldwide.
How do we build better bridges between science and policy? Addressing challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and social inequities requires more than scientific knowledge or political will. It also takes a set of competencies that are often invisible: the ability to listen carefully, recognize diverse roles, navigate complexity, and engage at the right time and place.
