June 15-16, 2026. Hosted by VITO in Belgium.
YEAR Annual Conference 2026: Science to Society: From Knowledge to Impact
YEAR is pleased to invite you to its next Annual Conference hosted by VITO in Brussels (Belgium) on 15th and 16th of June 2026. This year’s theme, “Science to Society: from knowledge to impact” combines inspiration, policy insight and practical skills development.
It features an approach to bringing research to market, an overview of EARTO’s role in representing Research and Technology Organisations in Europe, and an interactive Science for Policy training designed to help researchers communicate their work clearly and effectively to decision-makers.
Programme
- Monday 15th of June (8:45 – 17:00): Opening, Inspiring talks, Training by Visuality with a social dinner (paid by YEAR) from 19:00 onwards
- Tuesday 16th of June (9:00 – 17:00): Training by Visuality
- (Optional) Saturday 13th of June (13:00-21:00) & Sunday 14th of June (12:30 – 17:00): Social Programme
- (Optional) Wednesday 17th of June(9:00-12:00): Visit to the European Parliament Hemicycle
Annual Conference
AGENDA
Inspiration
- VITO’s From research to venture
Nils Wuytens will present VITO´s Accelerator program which supports ambitious deep tech entrepreneurs looking to scale their technology and contribute to a sustainable future. This is not a traditional accelerator process, but an intensive collaboration that helps bring innovation to market faster, smarter and with lasting impact.
- European Association of Research and Technology Organisations (EARTO) and its policy role
We will have Eleni Dritsakou, Director Policy from EARTO to explain their role to promote Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs) and their interest in Europe. RTOs are non-profit organisations whose core mission is to produce, combine and bridge knowledge, skills and infrastructures to deliver a range of research and development activities in collaboration with public and industrial partners of all sizes.
Learning
- Training on Science for Policy
This is a training for people who don’t want their work to end up as “interesting… somewhere”. Policy might not be focused enough on science. It is not that they hate scientists. They are just… busy. In this interactive Science for Policy training you’ll learn how to make your research understandable, relevant, and usable for decision-makers, without turning everything into a populist one-liner. We’ll work in a practical rhythm: short inputs, simulations, small-group exercises, discussions and lots of space to try things out safely. Expect less “sit and listen”, more “do, test and reflect”.You’ll leave with: - a clearer grasp of how policy works and where science can enter the “roundabout”
- an understanding of the science–policy gap and what to do with it
- tools to make complex issues visually clear
- Increased confidence in communicating for impact
- a simple way to think strategically about your science communication.
This session will be facilitated by Sven Retoré from Visuality.
Optional: Pre-conference Social Programme
A networking opportunity will take place before the conference takes place on 13th and 14th of June. You will get to know young researchers of our different member RTO’s and explore the city of Brussels!
Optional: Visit to the European Parliament Hemicycle
On Wednesday 17th of June, we will visit The European Parliament Hemicycle: the vibrant heart of European democracy, where Members of the European Parliament gather during plenary sessions to hold the largest and most important debates. It also provides the setting for historic votes that change the way people live across the European Union.
Group visits last 1-2 hours and consist of a personalised talk by a staff member on the role and powers of the European Parliament, a question-and-answer session and a visit to the Hemicycle gallery.
About The Speakers
Sven Retoré
Sven is a facilitator with roots in youth work and policy, and a long-standing passion for group dynamics and learning. After founding his own consultancy in 2015, he joined Visuality as a partner, bringing a love for participatory methods and a talent for making complex conversations workable. Whether it’s a team in crisis, a strategic dialogue, or a deep co-creation process, Sven helps people slow down or speed up, speak honestly, and build something real together.
Don’t miss this opportunity to innovate, collaborate, and prepare for the future of research.
Registrations will open soon! Stay tuned for more..