by Ziad Sahlab
On December 17, 2025, the Science Policy Action Network (SPAN) had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Strengthening the Science-Policy Interface to Address the Triple Planetary Crisis event at the International Environment House II in Geneva.
Organized by the Geneva Environment Network, the event was a high-level gathering of global experts, policymakers, and UN leaders dedicated to addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. For us at SPAN, it was a truly invaluable experience to not only witness this critical dialogue but to actively participate in shaping it.
Spreading the Word at the Science-Policy Fair
One of the highlights of our day was hosting a booth at the Interactive Science-Policy Fair. Positioned alongside major players like the IPCC, IPBES, UNEP, and various global conventions, our presence allowed us to highlight the crucial role of youth and early-career researchers in global environmental governance.
The fair was the perfect environment to network and spread the word about SPAN. We had fantastic conversations with seasoned diplomats, scientists, and fellow stakeholders. We shared our mission of bridging the gap between academia and policy, and we were thrilled by the enthusiastic response to our initiatives from the international community. It was a great reminder that the established policy world is eager to hear from the next generation of scientific experts.
Spotlighting Student Engagement
A major milestone for our team was our participation in the event’s Lightning Talks. SPAN President Ziad Sahlab took the stage to share our vision and address the realities young scientists face when trying to enter the policy sphere.
During the talk, Ziad highlighted the three main obstacles preventing students from engaging in science-policy interfaces:
- A lack of awareness: Technical training rarely includes policy education.
- A lack of interest: Many students simply don’t see science advice as a viable career path.
- A lack of tools: A shared vocabulary between scientists and policymakers is often missing.
We were able to showcase exactly how SPAN is actively breaking down these barriers at EPFL, from hosting policy brief workshops and negotiation training to our ongoing efforts to secure UNFCCC accreditation so our researchers can participate directly in climate conferences. Reaching nearly 10% of the PhD population on our campus in just a year and a half is a testament to the fact that young researchers want to be involved; they just need the right platform.
Key Takeaways
Throughout the day, a recurring theme echoed across the panels: tackling the triple planetary crisis requires more than just raw data; it requires effective communication, interdisciplinary collaboration, and fresh perspectives.
Being in rooms like this proves that the voice of early-career scientists is not just welcome, it is absolutely essential. As the global community gears up for future milestones, including the rollout of the newly established Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP-CWP), SPAN is more committed than ever to equipping students with the tools they need to turn scientific evidence into actionable policy.
We left Geneva inspired, energized, and ready to expand our reach. If you are an early-career researcher looking to make your voice heard in the policy world, there has never been a better time to get involved. A special thank you to the Geneva Environment Network for inviting us to participate and for creating such an inclusive, impactful space for meaningful dialogue
Join us at SPAN as we continue to bridge the gap between science and action!