International Scientific Workshop 'Linking Science and Policy in Sustainable Development Research'

The Research Promotion Foundation would like to inform the public about the International Scientific Workshop “Linking Science and Policy in Sustainable Development Research” that took place at Amathus Beach Hotel, Limassol on the 15th-16th October 2009.

The workshop was implemented in the framework of a selected participants group including international experts from abroad and the European Commission, researchers and Academics from Cyprus, governmental authorities and non governmental organisations’ representatives.

The Workshop has explored issues related to:

• developing links between research and policy – making in the sustainable development field,
• the improvement of procedures for research programme design corresponding to the socio-economic and environmental needs of the country,
• the utilization of interdisciplinary research results in policy development, and
• impact assessment of research programmes on policy development for society, economy and the environment.

A high level group of experts from abroad covered the fundamental principles underpinning the above aspects and presented important outcomes from international experience. Experts’ presentations have been followed by constructive discussions and summaries of the main outcomes on behalf of the participants and the panel coordinators respectively.

The message revealed following the discussions of the workshop highlighted the importance of commitment for the continuation of the National efforts for linking science and policy in the various science fields, the development of procedures and structures for more effective research programme design corresponding to the development needs of the country and finally the encouragement of ex – post impact assessment of research on the socio-ecomonic fabric and the environment of Cyprus.

The agenda of the workshop and powerpoint presentations are attached for your information.

For more information regarding the workshop’s results, suggestions for the encouragement of relevant initiatives and further deepening on science – policy links including research results exploitation for sustainable policies development, please contact Mrs. Katerina Kari (tel 22205042, email: kkari@research.org.cy).