PoliTO4Policy: “Building Capacity for Evidence-Informed Decision Making”

The Strategic Plan "PoliTOinTransition" of Politecnico di Torino (https://www.polito.it/en/polito/strategy) highlights that our University intends to organise its policy activities with the aim of becoming the first Italian school of technology to translate technological aspects into tools for decision makers. It seeks to be a reliable and proactive interlocutor in policy and decision making processes by co-designing solutions with policy makers and citizens that contribute to improving the quality of public policies. In this context, the aim of the workshop is to introduce researchers and administrative staff of Politecnico di Torino to the necessary concepts and skills to properly engage with public policymakers, supporting evidence-informed decision-making processes with solid scientific and techinical bases.

The workshop consists of two modules:

30 October – h. 14:00-17:00 
Welcome by Vice Rector for Local, National and European Affairs 
Introduction to science and policy (key concept and institutions)
by Alessandro Allegra - Science Policy Researcher, European Commission 
 Science for policy 

• What is science (for) policy?  

• Why is it important? 

• What are the key challenges? 

• Key concepts  

• Institutional models of scientific advice 

• Engaging with EU policymakers 

• Introduction to EU policymaking  

• Institutional landscape 

• Scientific advice in the EU institutions 

• Case studies (e.g. the European Commission Scientific Advice Mechanism)  

Round table
Experts from Politecnico di Torino/Other Institutions: good practices and case-studies 

31 October – h. 9:30 – 13:00
hands-on S4P skills trainings  
by Alessandro Allegra - Science Policy Researcher, European Commission & Lene Topp - Science4Policy & Capacity Building Expert 

• Introduction to S4P skills and communication to policymakers (based on JRC competence framework) 

• Interactive simulation/roleplay  

• Debriefing and reflection on skills learned 

The event will be held in English and is exclusively open to members of Politecnico di Torino. To ensure a more effective learning experience, the first (theoretical) module will be limited to a maximum of 50 participants, while the second (practical) module will be limited to 25 participants.
Participants will be selected based on the following criteria:

• Motivation expressed during registration

• Previous experience in activities supporting policymakers

• Priority will be given to early-career researchers (e.g., post-docs, RTD-A, RTD-B, RTT)

• Representation from different university departments and structures

It is possible to register for the theoretical module only or for both modules. Participants attending both modules will receive an Open Badge – a digital credential that certifies the acquisition of skills and experience in both formal and informal learning contexts, including soft skills.
The sessions will take place in person only, at the Agorà Room, I3P Incubator, Corso Castelfidardo 30/A.

To register: Registration link – deadline: October 17th.

For more information: RIMIN.europoli@polito.it