Talking WITH not talking AT

(Research and innovation are essential for a resilient society). Today, scientists have started to understand the complexities of global systems, know how to deal with uncertainties and have computing power for making predictions that did not exist before. As a result, the overall knowledge within the scientific community is increasing rapidly with unprecedented speed, while at the same time there is a tendency that the research fields narrow down and deepen and individual scientists are often so specialised that speaking about their work outside their specific research community becomes a challenge.
The Joint Research Centre of the European Commission operates at the interface between science and policy, and is taking a number of initiatives to address the challenge of how to effectively communicate scientific results to policymakers, citizens and stakeholders.  For policymakers robust data, facts and evidences are important and highly appreciated inputs, but not the only ones. Indeed, policymaking is a long process that requires continuous dialogue and exchange of information with all affected parties throughout the initiation, development and finalisation process. A final report of 500 pages summarising the outcome of a research project delivered towards the end of the drafting for a new regulation may not be taken into account, even if the results are highly relevant. 
Several JRC programmes have been piloted to improve communication with EU policy makers and to engage with citizens. The programmes are diverse and include the building of a network on clear writing, training through eLearning, thematic science-policy workshops, citizen engagement projects and events, exhibiting science at museums and a dedicated art and science programme complete with artistic residences and exhibitions. This presentation will illustrate a few examples of alternative ways for communicating science that provides societal context in an inclusive manner to address societal challenges.