European Commission Science Advice and Ethics Groups at ESOF

During the session on Citizens and Science Advice - challenges and opportunities of participatory science advice the panel explored how, in a time of perceived diminishing trust in expertise, citizens’ participation could strengthen the credibility, acceptability and impact of science advice to policymaking.

In the Carbon capture and utilization for climate change: hype or hope? session, co-organised with SAPEA, the panel engaged with the audience regarding climate change mitigation potential and economic viability of CCU technologies. The discussed how the findings of the recent Opinion produced by the Chief Scientific Advisors and informed by an Evidence Review Report delivered by SAPEA will contribute to future EU policy decisions in this field.

The What kind of future do we want for our children? session started with the moderator asking the audience which was the greatest challenge to our children’s futures on which more advice to policy is needed. Speakers expressed their views on the results and shared their vision, and a lively dialogue took place with the audience.

The Ethics in the age of science, technology and innovation: From AI to the Future of Work session focused on the ethical aspects of future developments, namely related to the artificial intelligence and the technological and societal changes in the labour market. The debate with the audience will further feed the EGE Opinion on the Future of Work.

All of the sessions were well attended, by a wide range of participants from local, European and international organisations, including government representatives, representatives of science advice structures, industry, academia, NGOs as well as attendees from the European Parliament.