#EURegionsWeekCollege – Research at the European Parliament - 12WS22140

This workshop will discuss how the European Parliamentary Research Service and the Policy Department for Structural and Cohesion Policies differ in terms of their contribution to the Parliament's research work and will examine how academic researchers can become more closely involved in this process. As in the past, students will be able to interact with European Parliament experts in structural policies. This year's students will be asked to share their ideas and reflect on how academic researchers can reach out to policymakers in their work and improve communication about cohesion policy to the general public, with a possible exploration of the impact of evolving hybrid work arrangements and digitalisation on the generation and communication of research for public policy.

Introduction: Balazs Szechy

Our moderator, Balazs Szechy, will begin the workshop by outlining the role of the Members Research Service, providing brief presentations on the state of play in the European Parliament vis-à-vis the provision of expertise and scientific advice to Members.

Session A – Research for Members

First presentation – speaker: Teresa Lopez Garcia

Teresa Lopez Garcia will focus on the role of the information specialist and how her work differs from that of policy analysts within the Members Research Service, as well as explaining how the MEPs' requests are handled through the EMS system.

Second presentation – speaker: Enrico D'Ambrogio

Enrico D'Ambrogio will then discuss how academic research differs from the research carried out for policy purposes at the European Parliament.

Session B – Research for European Parliament committees

Third presentation – Frederic Gouarderes (TBC)

Having discussed the work of the Members Research Service, session B will focus on the in-house research carried out by IPOL at the request of parliamentary committees. Frederic Gouarderes will take the floor to look at the outsourcing of research to academic institutions and procurement procedures, helping to introduce the theme of how academic researchers may become involved in the Parliament's work.

Fourth presentation – Kinga Ostańska (TBC)

Kinga Ostańska will develop this theme further by providing a series of tips and tricks on communicating research to policymakers in the most effective way. Examples will include our institutional blogs and communication via social media

Session C – Question and answer session

Participants will be invited to post questions to our speakers, focusing on the various issues covered during the workshop. European Parliament speakers could also guide the discussion to elicit the views of early career researchers on the impact of more widespread teleworking and greater digitalisation on the communication and generation of research for public policy.