European research projects generate valuable scientific evidence, but transforming research results into concrete policy actions remains a major challenge. Strengthening science-to-policy communication through accessible dissemination, stakeholder engagement and policy-oriented communication tools is essential to maximise the societal impact of EU-funded research.

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Scientific research plays a fundamental role in addressing some of Europe’s most pressing challenges, from climate change and energy security to industrial competitiveness and social resilience. Yet, despite the growing production of scientific evidence through European research and innovation programmes, translating research outcomes into concrete policy actions remains a complex process. One of the main challenges is that scientific results are often communicated in formats that are difficult for policymakers to quickly interpret and apply within political and regulatory frameworks.

Policymakers operate in fast-moving environments, where decisions must balance scientific evidence with economic, social and political considerations. Researchers, on the other hand, typically communicate through highly specialised publications, technical language and long development timelines. This structural difference can create a disconnect between those producing knowledge and those responsible for turning that knowledge into actionable policies.

In recent years, the European Union has increasingly recognised the importance of evidence-informed policymaking. Initiatives promoting open science, stakeholder engagement and science-for-policy activities have highlighted the need to strengthen the dialogue between research projects and decision-makers. In this context, EU-funded projects are no longer expected to generate scientific results alone, but also to ensure that those results become understandable, accessible and relevant for policy audiences.

One of the most effective tools for bridging this gap is the policy brief. Unlike academic papers, policy briefs translate complex scientific findings into concise and actionable recommendations tailored to non-specialist audiences. They help policymakers rapidly identify the relevance of research outcomes, understand the implications for ongoing legislative or strategic discussions, and evaluate possible policy options. Effective policy communication requires clarity, accessibility and timing: research evidence has the greatest impact when it reaches the right stakeholders at the right moment in the policy cycle.

Dissemination and communication activities also play a crucial role in this process. Webinars, stakeholder workshops, educational resources, visual storytelling and open-access repositories are increasingly being used to make scientific knowledge more accessible beyond the research community. These activities contribute not only to increasing project visibility, but also to fostering dialogue between academia, industry, civil society and public institutions. In this sense, dissemination should not be seen as a final administrative requirement, but as an integral part of maximising the societal and political impact of research.

Collaboration is another essential element. Policymaking benefits from coordinated inputs coming from researchers, industry representatives, standardisation bodies and civil society organisations. European collaborative projects are particularly well positioned to support this approach because they bring together multidisciplinary expertise and international perspectives capable of addressing complex challenges from multiple angles. Through clustering activities, stakeholder networks and cross-sector partnerships, research projects can strengthen the credibility and relevance of their recommendations.

At the same time, improving science-to-policy communication also requires a cultural shift within the research community itself. Researchers are increasingly asked to develop skills that go beyond scientific excellence, including science communication, stakeholder engagement and strategic dissemination. Translating evidence into policy-relevant messages requires the ability to simplify complexity without oversimplifying the science behind it.

Bridging the gap between science and policy is essential to ensure that European research investments generate tangible societal benefits. Stronger connections between researchers and policymakers can support better legislation, accelerate innovation uptake and contribute to more informed and effective public policies. As Europe continues to invest in collaborative research and innovation, strengthening science-for-policy practices will become increasingly important in transforming scientific evidence into real-world impact.

Source: European Commission, Sharing scientific evidence with policymakers – A starter kit for EU funded research & innovation (R&I) projects

By Giacomo Destro, ICONS