Communicating Science to Policy: The Perspective of EU-funded Research Projects for Building a Joint Narrative, Collaboration and Impact Across the Biodiversity Science-Policy Interface

As global challenges intensify, translating scientific knowledge into effective policy action has become more crucial - and more complex - than ever. Within the European biodiversity research landscape, numerous research projects funded by various EU mechanisms operate at the science-policy interface (SPI), striving not only to produce policy-relevant knowledge but also to ensure it reaches decision-makers and relevant stakeholder groups in accessible, actionable formats. Yet, coordination, collaboration and communication efforts across projects remain fragmented, and opportunities for mutual amplification are often underused.

This session explores how science communication through a joint narrative can become a driver of collaboration and increase impact among policy-oriented projects working at the SPI. Building on the experiences of projects such as BioAgora, CO-OP4CBD, RESPIN, SELINA, OBSGESSION and REST-COAST, the session will present concrete examples of good practices for:

• framing complex research findings into messages relevant to policymakers,
• developing shared communication narratives across projects,
• designing science-policy events that foster genuine dialogue rather than one-way dissemination, and
• co-developing tools and campaigns that strengthen the visibility of the European biodiversity SPI.

The discussion will highlight the role of science communication as an important factor in biodiversity SPI processes - beyond dissemination - by facilitating shared understanding, co-creation of output and cross-project synergies. The presentation will showcase lessons learned from narrative communication, including through tailored campaigns such as #Science4Biodiversity and #TransformativeChange4Biodiversity, and reflect on how coordinated communication can amplify the collective impact of EU-funded efforts.

Beyond techniques and tools, the session will emphasise on the power of narratives as a crucial connector across scientific, policy and society. Narrative-based communication helps translate abstract concepts such as biodiversity loss, biodiversity targets, or transformative change into relatable stories that resonate with policymakers, practitioners and the wider public. By weaving coherent narratives across projects, the European biodiversity SPI build shared frames of reference, reduce cognitive and institutional barriers to engagement, and create a sense of collective purpose. Such narratives foster trust, strengthen legitimacy and support long-term relationships between diverse stakeholder groups, ultimately helping them navigate complexity together and co-create efficient biodiversity solutions.

Keywords: 

science communication, science-policy interface, Horizon Europe, collaboration, transformative change, stakeholder engagement, biodiversity