How can scientific evidence help Europe build water resilience?

At the upcoming SOS-Water & STARS4Water Joint Policy Event in Brussels, two interactive panel discussions will bring together leading researchers, policymakers, river basin authorities, and water experts to explore how scientific knowledge can support better water governance and decision-making.

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Panel I: Scientific Results for Policy – From Evidence to Actionable Insights

Scientific research is generating new understanding of how water systems respond to climate change and societal pressures. But which findings are most relevant for decision-makers?

This panel brings together experts from academia and river basin organisations, including Manuel Pulido-Velazquez (UPV), Niko Wanders (Utrecht University), Nathan Rickards (UKCEH), Birgit Vogel (ICPDR), and Klaas Groen (Rijkswaterstaat/ICHR) to discuss how scientific results, modelling approaches, and basin experiences can inform future water management strategies and policy priorities.

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How can scientific evidence be translated into effective policy and action?

This question will take centre stage during Panel II: Translating Scientific Evidence and Innovation into Policy at the upcoming joint SOS-Water & STARS4Water policy event in Brussels.

Bringing together leading voices from European institutions, river basin organisations, and the science-policy community, the panel will explore how research and innovation can strengthen water sustainability and resilience across Europe.

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The discussion will feature:

🔹 Joachim Maes – European Commission, DG Environment

🔹 Johannes Cullmann – EurAqua, Chair of the Science-Policy Interface Working Group

🔹 Lionel Berthet – International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine

🔹 Trine Hegdahl – Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE)

🔹 Lukas Repa – CIS Working Group on Water Scarcity and Droughts

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Together, they will discuss:

✅ What policymakers need from science to support better water governance

✅ How scientific knowledge can contribute to Europe's Water Resilience agenda

✅ Lessons from river basin management across Europe

✅ Opportunities to strengthen the science-policy interface

✅ Recommendations for future European water policies

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The session will be highly interactive, giving participants the opportunity to contribute their own perspectives and policy needs to the discussion.

📍 Brussels, Belgium

📅 22 June 2026

🕑 14:00–18:00

🎟️ Participation is free, but registration is required:

👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeWDdvl1xNdB20uanvJfwmvuIrfaji3AhAJo9MvUlFjawGqRg/viewform

If you work at the intersection of water, climate, policy, or sustainability, this is a discussion you won't want to miss.