The interaction between science and policy has never been straightforward. But this relationship has been further complicated by the current post-fact debate. As the Commission's Vice-President, Frans Timmermans, noted recently, "a new crisis has come along … the crisis of evidence and facts ... we cannot simply answer a demand for a politics of emotions with a strengthened politics of facts". This crisis is a challenge for the whole of society, not only scientists, experts, the media and policymakers, but also for politicians.
We need to learn from past success and failures in building policy on evidence, to understand the causes of this crisis and to chart a new course for organisations operating at the inter-section of facts, politics and the media.

Policy making needs to find the balance between facts and values. Linear thinking cannot be applied to the relationship between science, society and policy anymore. Scientists, politicians and citizens need new models and processes to connect, to develop new thinking and to communicate new narratives. The process needs to become more open, involving all stakeholders (scientists, policymakers and society) from the design and production to the delivery phase. 

The conference aims to produce a set of clear recommendations for successful evidence-informed policy making institutions, processes and individuals. It will offer a frank encounter between leading experts from the fields of science, policy and media. Economists, psychologists, philosophers, sociologists and natural scientists will have an opportunity to have an honest, public discussion with practising politicians, policymakers and journalists.

In addition to listening to speeches and discussions between leading scientists and politicians, the participants will have a possibility to interact with the speakers via live apps during sessions, as well as meet them in person during dedicated time slots after each session.