Science to Society: From Knowledge to Impact

June 15-16, 2026. Hosted by VITO in Brussels, Belgium.

 

YEAR is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Annual Conference hosted by VITO in Brussels (Belgium) from 15th to 16th of June 2026. This event is for people who don’t want their work to end up as “interesting”… somewhere”. 

This year the event will focus on  “Science to Society: from knowledge to impact” by combining inspiration talks, policy insights and skills development to help researchers communicate their work clearly and effectively to decision-makers.

This international event brings the added value of networking among multidisciplinary young researchers from the 9 members of the YEAR network (AIT, CEA, INESTEC, RISE, SINTEF, TNO, Tyndall, VITO and VTT). Remember that your registration has to be confirmed by the representative of your institute. Deadline for registration is 5th of May 2026

REGISTER HERE TO SECURE YOUR SPOT –  https://forms.gle/b3sXv77FZJNJ8mER7

Programme

 Annual Conference

Day One

• From research to venture-Nils Wuytens presents VITO’s in-house accelerator program and reflects on how Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs) support the creation and growth of deeptech spin-offs. The session will explore how RTOs act as de-risking partners for emerging ventures by providing technological validation, research infrastructure, and early-stage support that help startups bring innovations to market. It will also highlight the importance of cross-country collaboration in strengthening Europe’s innovation ecosystem, showing how shared expertise, networks, and resources accelerate startup and spin-off development across European markets.
• 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 RTOs and their interest in Europe. RTO´s 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.
• From Science to Policy- 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 (facilitated by Sven Retoré and Lene Topp) 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”.

Day Two

• Continuation of Science to Policy training

Day Three

• 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. Group visit will last 1-2 hours and will consist of a personalised guide with a question-and-answer session and a visit to the Hemicycle gallery. 

By attending this conference, you will leave with:

• a clearer grasp of how policy works and 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.

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, learn how to do Belgian chocolates in our workshop, visit the Atomium and explore Brussels!

 

About The Speakers

Nils Wuytens

Nils works at VITO’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO), where he leads the organization’s in-house accelerator program supporting European deeptech startups. At VITO, one of Europe’s leading Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs), he works at the intersection of cutting-edge technology, industrial policy, and venture creation, helping translate scientific innovation into scalable ventures. He holds a PhD in Innovation & Entrepreneurship and previously taught Leadership & Human Capital at Hasselt University. Prior to his academic career, Nils worked as an innovation management consultant in the mobility sector.

 

 

 

Eleni Dritsakou

Eleni Dritsakou is Director of Policy at EARTO (European Association of Research and Technology Organisations). Eleni joined the EARTO Secretariat in January 2019. Her current areas of activity cover analysing EU Policies, Programmes and Strategic dossiers for EARTO members (350 Research and Technology Organisations – RTOs), including Multiannual Financial Framework, EU Policy and Programmes linked to RD&I such as Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, EU Industrial Policy, EU Research Area (technology & industrial roadmaps, research/technology infrastructures), etc., as well as the Impact of RD&I. Among others, Eleni coordinates EARTO Policy Working Groups. Prior to joining EARTO, she worked at the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Greek Embassy in Paris (France), among others.

 

 

 

Sven Retoré from Visuality

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.

 

 

 

 

Lene Topp

Lene Topp has 15+ years of experience at the interface of science, policy and society, with a focus on strengthening and institutionalising Evidence-Informed Policymaking (EIPM) in the European Commission and at Member State level. From 2017 to 2023, she worked at the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), where she combined research with the design of capacity-building programmes, workshops and networks on policy engagement. During this period, she led the development of the JRC’s Science4Policy capacity-building programme, including a 2-day training course (classroom and online), a self-paced e-learning course, a Training-of-Trainers programme, and the mapping of Science4Policy competences for policy impact. She also contributed to the development of the Smart4Policy self-reflection tool. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to innovate, collaborate, and prepare for the future of research!