Science for Policy Exchange: a new project to connect researchers and policymakers across Europe
[Strasbourg, France, 1 September 2026]
S4PXchange, a new project funded under the Horizon Europe programme, launched on 1st June 2026 to strengthen connections between science and policymaking across Europe, where practices still vary from country to country. Coordinated by the European Science Foundation (ESF), the three-year project brings together partner organisations from six countries to build shared tools, networks, and training that put scientific evidence into the hands of the people shaping policy decisions.
The project contributes to the European Research Area (ERA) Action on Advancing the European Science-for-Policy (S4P) Ecosystem, part of a wider effort to strengthen the way science informs policymaking. Through this work, S4PXchange will foster closer collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and knowledge brokers.
Addressing a fragmented science-policy landscape
Europe faces increasingly complex challenges, from climate change to digital transformation. In this context, the need for stronger, more consistent links between science and policy has never been greater. S4PXchange addresses this by contributing to the development of a sustainable and interconnected S4P ecosystem, enabling knowledge to flow more effectively between science and policymaking communities across Europe.
Delivering tangible tools and lasting capacity
Over the next three years, S4PXchange will deliver:
- a European S4P Observatory including interactive dashboard to help showcase the landscape of actors and practices;
- a collection of real-world examples and practical guidance presenting successful ways of bringing scientific evidence into policymaking;
- a practical toolkit with resources, methods and step-by-step guidance to help researchers and policymakers work together more effectively;
- a training and learning programme to strengthen skills and knowledge, including a dedicated fellowship for early-career researchers interested in supporting policymaking;
- a series of policy dialogues bringing scientists and policymakers together to find solutions to important societal challenges;
- a dedicated support function to coordinate and connect the European Commission’s network of S4P National Correspondents.
These activities will support policymakers, researchers, civil society, and knowledge brokers seeking to work across borders more effectively. They will also create lasting structures that continue beyond the end of the project.
“S4PXchange represents an important step forward in connecting science and policy communities across Europe. By building shared understanding, tools, and networks, we aim to strengthen the role of evidence in policymaking,” commented Adam Brandstetter-Kunc, ESF, Project Coordinator.
“The contribution of S4Pxchange to the ERA Policy Agenda and its action, ‘Strengthening the European Science for Policy Ecosystem’, is warmly welcomed to build lasting capacity and trust in evidence-informed policymaking. By bringing together diverse actors working at the science for policy interface, harnessing open science principles, and deploying practical tools, S4PXchange has the potential to make S4P practice the norm across Europe”, stated Joanna Drake, Deputy Director-General of the European Commission’s DG Research & Innovation.
A strong European partnership
The S4PXchange consortium brings together six organisations from six EU member states, combining expertise in evidence-informed policymaking, science-policy linkages, public administration, policy mapping, and analysis:
- European Science Foundation (France),
- APRE – Italian Agency for the Promotion of European Research (Italy),
- Leiden University (Netherlands),
- Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI (Germany),
- Austrian Institute of Technology (Austria),
- European Future Innovation System Centre (Belgium).
S4PXchange will work closely with the European Commission’s DG Research & Innovation (DG RTD) and collaborate with existing relevant initiatives, such as the Community of Practice on Evidence-Informed Policymaking and the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC).
“Scientific knowledge and the academic system that produces it are an integral aspect of evidence-informed policymaking (EIPM). There are many barriers holding it back from realising its full potential for informing policy. The initiatives of S4PXchange are a welcome boost to the growing momentum in Europe to invest in the people, processes and institutions that enable EIPM,” said David Mair, Head of Unit of JRC S.2 (Science for Democracy, Public Governance and Administration).
Looking ahead
Over the coming months, S4PXchange will begin its online community building activities by involving relevant researchers, policymakers, and knowledge brokers, the first of several milestones over the project’s three-year lifetime. Organisations and individuals interested in following or engaging with the project are invited to get in touch using the details below.
For more information
About the European Science Foundation (ESF)
Founded in 1974, the European Science Foundation (ESF) is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation that advances high-quality research through expert management and support throughout the entire research lifecycle, from conception and implementation to evaluation, sustainability, and impact. As coordinator of S4PXchange, ESF leads the overall management of the project, communication, dissemination and exploitation activities; supports the establishment of the support office for the EC’s Network of Science-for-Policy Correspondents; and contributes across all work packages.