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.
Simon Weekx (27) researches electromobility. His date is with Andries Gryffroy, an N-VA MP in the Flemish Parliament.
What are you expecting from the first date?
"At a first meeting, I mainly hope for an open and constructive conversation. I’m keen to learn more about the most pressing policy challenges in my field and how they align with my expertise and that of our research group."
Do you date across the political spectrum?
"Absolutely. Science must remain independent of party politics and open to dialogue with all political perspectives. What’s most important is engaging with everyone and sharing insights based on facts and scientifically backed analyses."
What would be a dealbreaker?
"When major policy proposals are not based on facts but on intuition or political ideology without any scientific foundation. Also, when science is selectively used to confirm pre-existing beliefs."
"Science must remain independent of party politics and open to dialogue with all political perspectives"
Do scientists need more love from politicians?
"The collaboration between science and politics is essential. Politicians benefit from scientific insights to make well-informed decisions, while scientists can have real impact by feeding their knowledge into policymaking."
Is your field ‘sexy’ to politicians?
"My field is receiving a lot of attention at the moment because the transition to electric vehicles plays a crucial role in making our society more sustainable. Cities are working hard to expand public charging networks to make electric driving accessible for everyone. Through my research, I aim to contribute to an efficient and fair rollout of public charging infrastructure."
Are scientists too much like wallflowers?
"The stereotype of the scientist in an ivory tower is outdated. In my field, we work closely with governments and businesses to bridge the gap between science and practice. Initiatives like this one from the Young Academy, as well as other outreach programmes in Flanders, such as the Dag van de Wetenschap (Science Day), show that scientists are stepping out into the world to make their knowledge more accessible."*
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.