Science and politics seem to be drifting further apart. Yet, they need each other to tackle today’s complex societal challenges. That’s why the Science Meets Parliament project, led by the Young Academy, pairs researchers with parliamentarians. Several VUB researchers are taking part: Marie-Laure Vandenhaute, Robin Vandendriessche, Ilse Rooman, Simon Weekx, Franne Mullens, and Eva Cloet. On Valentine’s Day, they will meet their political partners for the first time.
Robin Vandendriessche (29) researches personal data within European competition law and economics. His date is with Dieter Keuten, a Vlaams Belang (Flemish Interest) MP in the Federal Parliament.
What are you expecting from the first date?
"I’m looking forward to discovering concrete ways in which researchers can contribute to parliamentary debate. I also want to hear politicians’ experiences on how scientific research is used in policy proposals."
Do you date across the political spectrum?
"Absolutely! The synergy between science and politics is more important than ever for good governance. Political parties all aim for a better society, each from their own ideological perspective. They may disagree on how best to achieve that goal, but researchers have a crucial role to play—bringing scientific insights into the debate and debunking false claims."
What would be a dealbreaker?
"A lack of respect for scientific evidence. Debate and differing opinions are essential in a healthy democracy, but if facts are ignored or distorted to fit a political narrative, I’m out."
"Debate and differing opinions are essential in a healthy democracy, but if facts are ignored or distorted to fit a political narrative, I’m out"
Do scientists need more love from politicians?
"Definitely. Excellent studies with highly relevant recommendations are carried out in many policy areas. Yet political considerations often get in the way. That needs to change—leaders should dare to rise above party lines, think beyond a single term, and have the courage to push through necessary, sometimes unpopular, reforms. Researchers can certainly play an important role in that process."
Is your field ‘sexy’ to politicians?
"I’d say so. My focus is on the role of personal data in corporate market power within the digital economy. Geopolitical tensions have only made this topic more relevant. Take the TikTok case in the United States, where authorities are concerned about large volumes of American personal data being held by a Chinese company. Or look at the recent friction between the European Union and US tech giants over competition investigations under the Digital Markets Act."
Are scientists too much like wallflowers?
"Scientists often have a more reserved and nuanced communication style, which is less media-friendly than the punchy soundbites of politicians. That makes sense—it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Scientists aim to enrich public debate with well-founded insights, while politicians focus on building support for their proposals."*
Science Meets Parliament
Science Meets Parliament brings Flemish researchers and parliamentarians together to foster mutual understanding of each other's worlds. This initiative, a kind of 'pairing scheme,' pairs twenty scientists with twenty politicians.
In the spring of 2025, researchers will spend a day immersed in the political arena—attending committee meetings and gaining insight into the legislative process. Later, the politicians will visit the scientists’ workplaces to see first-hand how academic research takes shape. The goal? To bridge the gap between science and policy, ensuring that societal challenges are tackled with well-founded insights.
*This is a machine translation. We apologise for any inaccuracies.