The #EURegionsWeekCollege is designed for students and early career researchers and forms part of the capacity-building of the #EURegionsWeek partners. With presentations from European Parliament (EP) officials, this session sets out how the EP researchers provide expertise and scientific advice to members. It covers work for EP Committees, and attendees will learn how research for policy is distinguished from research by academics. The session will provide ample time for discussion and debate between participants and presenters.

In this webinar, colleagues from the European Parliament will discuss how research is used in the work of the Parliament. They will explain how expertise and advice is used by MEPs and in the various Committees, and will suggest ways in which academic researchers can become more closely involved in the process. Attendees will learn about the different forms of communication, speed of delivery and how research is communicated to policy-makers. An outline of where academic research is already commissioned will be included.

The #EURegionsWeekCollege is the replacement for the face-to-face masterclass that has taken place in previous years. The online format offers a unique opportunity to open the masterclass to a broader and more inclusive audience and hence an open invitation is issued to the European early career and student community. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and contribute to the discussions.

The #EURegionsWeekCollege webinar series is organised by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO) and the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), advised by the Regional Studies Association European Foundation (RSA Europe), and with the cooperation of the European Regional Science Association (ERSA) and the Association of European Schools of Planning (AESOP). This combination of input ensures an expert and balanced programme of events aimed at building capacity in the European research community.