YEAR Annual Conference 2026 - Bring your technology to EU policymakers! YEAR AC 2026 | Brussels
Science to Society: from knowledge to impact
NOTE: this training itself is free, but the train + hotel + hours should be covered by your department. Please align with your RM that these costs can be covered before signing up. The optional social weekend is on your own costs.
YEAR is pleased to invite you to its next Annual Conference hosted by VITO in Brussels (Belgium) on 15th and 16th of June 2026. This year’s theme, “Science to Society: from knowledge to impact” combines inspiration, policy insight, and practical skills development. It features an approach to bringing research to market, an overview of EARTO’s role in representing Research and Technology Organisations in Europe, and an interactive Science for Policy training designed to help researchers communicate their work clearly and effectively to decision-makers.
The full programme of the Annual Conference can be found on the YEAR website: YEAR Annual Conference 2026 – YEAR
Training contents
This is a training for people who don’t want their work to end up as “interesting… somewhere".
Policy might not be focused enough on science. It is not that they hate scientists. They are just… busy. In this interactive Science for Policy training you’ll learn how to make your research understandable, relevant, and usable for decision-makers, without turning everything into a populist one-liner. We’ll work in a practical rhythm: short inputs, simulations, small-group exercises, discussions and lots of space to try things out safely. Expect less “sit and listen”, more “do, test and reflect”.
You’ll leave with:
- a clearer grasp of how policy works and and where science can enter the “roundabout”
- an understanding of the science–policy gap… and what to do with it
- tools to make complex issues visually clear
- Increased confidence in communicating for impact
- a simple way to think strategically about your science communication.
This session will be facilitated by Sven Retoré and Lene Topp from Visuality.
Optional: visit to European Parliament
In the morning of the 17th of June (09:00-11:00), there will be an (optional) visit to the European Parliament: the vibrant heart of European democracy!
Speakers
In addition to the training on bringing science to policy, the first day will feature talks by two inspiring speakers:
- VITO's From Research to Venture
- Nils Wuytens will present VITO´s Accelerator program which supports ambitious deep tech entrepreneurs looking to scale their technology and contribute to a sustainable future. This is not a traditional accelerator process, but an intensive collaboration that helps bring innovation to market faster, smarter and with lasting impact.
- European Association of Research and Technology Organisations (EARTO) and its policy role
- We will have Eleni Dritsakou, Director Policy from EARTO to explain their role to promote Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs) and their interest in Europe. RTOs are non-profit organisations whose core mission is to produce, combine and bridge knowledge, skills and infrastructures to deliver a range of research and development activities in collaboration with public and industrial partners of all sizes.
Social weekend
In addition to the training, the Annual Conference, like every year, also organizes an (optional but highly recommended) social weekend preceding the training. The full programme is still being formed, but you can look forward to seeing more of Brussels as well as the great city of Ghent!
Don’t miss this opportunity to innovate, collaborate, and prepare for the future of research!
Want to know more, reach out to Hajo den Ouden or Jonah Poort
