ACLA course trip to Brussels explored the links between research, policy and EU funding

The three-day ACLA course trip brought together course participants and other relevant HSSH and University of Helsinki representatives for a programme of expert talks and institutional visits. The seminar programme was held at the Confederation of Finnish Industries in Brussels, with sessions focusing on the role of social sciences and humanities in European research policy, the EU AI Act, digital policy, research careers and the use of research evidence in EU decision-making. 

The first day opened with Gabi Lombardo, Director of the European Alliance for Social Sciences and Humanities, who discussed the position of SSH fields in the European research landscape. Lombardo highlighted how EU framework programmes shape research funding priorities and noted an important difference between disciplinary cultures: while STEM researchers often identify as experts on specific topics, SSH researchers may more often present themselves through broader disciplinary identities such as sociology or political science. In the context of funding, being able to narrow down your expertise can be an important skill.

The programme also introduced participants to the everyday translation of research into policy. Tristan Marcelin from the European Parliamentary Research Service spoke about the EU AI Act and the role of providing evidence-based advice to Members of the European Parliament. His presentation underlined that policy advice is not the same as academic research, although it often draws on research-based literature reviews and careful synthesis.

Other sessions examined digital policy trends in the EU, the changing political nature of digital regulation, and the ways in which Brussels-based policy advisors work with political groups and MEPs. Speakers included Tuomas Kaivola, policy advisor at the Permanent Representation of Finland to the EU, and Timo Harjuniemi, policy advisor for The Left in the European Parliament.

On the second day, participants heard from Maria Mecenero of DG Research & Innovation on the European Research Area and researcher career policy. The delegation also learned about the EU Joint Research Centre’s role in supporting evidence-based policymaking through presentations by Louisa Marino and Mara Almeida, including discussion on research concerning the future of democracy. Almeida also introduced , a self-assessment tool that helps researchers reflect on key competences such as analytical thinking, collaboration, research management, communication and impact.

The trip concluded with a visit to the , offering participants another perspective on research, innovation and policy-relevant academic work. Overall, the Brussels visit gave ACLA participants a concrete view of how academic expertise travels beyond universities: into policy briefs, advisory work, research funding frameworks and the everyday negotiations of European decision-making.