Science and public policy: how can science make a difference?
Amidst climate, health and geopolitical crises placing public decision-makers under constant scrutiny, does scientific expertise still have a role to play in the political decision-making process? On 1st June, the Sorbonne University Alliance, in partnership with the French newspaper Le Monde, will bring together scientists, public officials and journalists to discuss the relationship between science and politics. This event underscores the Sorbonne University Alliance’s active commitment to democratic debate, uniting researchers, the media and public decision-makers.
1st June 2026 at 10am, Pierre & Marie Curie Campus (métro Jussieu). Free of charge with accreditation required via presse@sorbonne-universite.fr
A unique forum for dialogue between science and public policy
How can we ensure that scientific expertise is heard in a public arena filled with opinions, urgent news and misinformation? How can we reconcile the long-term nature of research with the swift timeframe of political decision-making? How can we ensure that expert advice is not sought too late, or ignored? This conference will address concrete issues, including the role of scientists in government offices, the role of the media in sharing knowledge, the political uses of expert advice, and the conditions for independent scientific discourse.
Rémi Quirion, neurologist, Chief Scientist to the Government of Quebec and President of the International Network for Governmental Science Advice (INGSA), will be the guest of honour. Corinne Lepage, former French Minister for the Environment, former member of the European Parliament and President of Cap21, and Pierre Ouzoulias, archaeologist, historian and Senator for the Hauts-de-Seine department, will also speak during the plenary session.
Find out more about the full programme of presentations, case studies, debates, round-table discussions and workshops on the Sorbonne University website.
A project supported by SOUND
This event follows on from a series of seminars launched in 2024 and 2025. It is part of the “SOUND - for a new commitment” project, funded by the French government through the National Research Agency as part of the France 2030 funding programme and by the European Union’s NextGenerationEU (ANR – 22 – EXES – 0004).
Practical information
Date: Monday 1st June 2026 10am - 5pm
Place: Amphitheatre 25 and the Sorbonne University International Conference Centre (CICSU) on the Pierre & Marie campus (4 place Jussieu, 75005 Paris)
Free of charge, accreditation required: presse@sorbonne-universite.fr
Link to the full programme (in French): here.
Please note that this event will be held in French