Valentine’s Dates Between Researchers and Politicians

Ever thought about going on a date with a politician? That was the intriguing challenge posed by the Young Academy to Flemish researchers. Science and politics seem to be drifting further apart, yet they need each other to tackle today’s complex societal challenges. VUB researchers Marie-Laure Vandenhaute, Robin Vandendriessche, Ilse Rooman, Simon Weekx, Franne Mullens, and Eva Cloet took up the challenge. On the eve of Valentine’s Day, we asked them about their expectations.

Of course, romance isn’t the goal of ‘Science Meets Parliament’. But the Young Academy saw Valentine’s Day—the day of love—as a fitting moment to launch their project. The aim of pairing researchers with parliamentarians is to foster mutual understanding and bring both worlds closer together. A first blind date always brings a few butterflies, even for the most rational scientists. The whole out-of-the-box experience is what makes it exciting. For some researchers, it’s a journey into completely new territory.

What are you expecting from the first date?

Franne: A first date is always a little nerve-racking. I’m trying to keep my expectations in check. I think we’ll aim for an informal and accessible first meeting.

Eva: I’m looking forward to finding common ground and sharing insights and challenges from our respective backgrounds.

Simon: In a first meeting, I mainly hope for an open and constructive discussion.

Ilse: As a scientist, I’m driven by curiosity. Politics has always fascinated me, but it has remained a case of ‘unknown is unloved’. A date on Valentine’s Day seems like the perfect time to change that.

Are you open to dating across the political spectrum?

Marie-Laure: Yes, I’m open to discussions with politicians from different parties, with the aim of strengthening the interaction between science and policymaking.

Robin: Absolutely. Every political party strives for a better society, each from its own ideological perspective. They just differ in how they think that should be achieved.

Ilse: In my initial intake, I did mention that I would feel uncomfortable building a relationship with someone from the far right. I’m open-minded and willing to engage with ideas that don’t align with mine. However, when certain ideological red lines are crossed, it becomes more difficult. That said, I’m happy with my match from the N-VA. This party holds key positions at the Flemish level and has influence over science policy.

What would be a dealbreaker?

Eva: A one-way conversation.

Franne: A dealbreaker would be dating someone who is only in politics for their own ego and doesn’t think beyond the next election.

Ilse: My match doesn’t need to tick all the right boxes. I believe it’s enriching to have an open mind and embrace different perspectives. If we only surround ourselves with like-minded people, we risk fostering a very narrow worldview.

Simon: When major policy decisions aren’t based on facts but on intuition or political ideology without scientific backing. Or when science is selectively used to justify pre-existing beliefs. That would be a dealbreaker for me.

Do scientists need more love from politicians?

Ilse: If I thought otherwise, I wouldn’t have signed up for this initiative. I get the impression that science isn’t high on the political agenda.

Robin: Definitely. Policymakers should be willing to look beyond their own term in office, think past the next election, and have the courage to implement necessary—sometimes unpopular—reforms. Researchers can play a crucial role in that.
 

Are Scientists Too Much Like Wallflowers?

Robin: “Scientists often have a more modest and nuanced communication style, which is less media-friendly than the punchy soundbites of politicians. That makes sense and isn’t necessarily a bad thing—after all, they play different roles. One aims to enrich public debate with carefully considered scientific insights, while the other seeks political support for their proposals.”

Franne: It’s daunting for a scientist to step into the political arena. Many feel safer within their academic world.

Eva: Wallflowers exist everywhere, not just among scientists. Just as you’ll find flourishing rose bushes, determined ivy, and stubborn weeds in every field. Research involves retreating to think, analyse, reason, and write—skills that might seem more ‘wallflower-like’. But science also involves collecting data in the field, sharing findings and recommendations, speaking at conferences, networking, and building collaborations. For that, you need to step away from the ‘wall’. So no, scientists aren’t wallflowers—but sometimes they need to be.*

*This is a machine translation. We apologise for any inaccuracies.