The Mutual Learning Exercise (MLE) in Science Communication in Research & Innovation (R&I), inspired by the European Commission’s PSF-MLEs (Policy Support Facility – Mutual Learning Exercises), is organised by the COALESCE project, which is establishing the European Competence Centre for Science Communication, with the collaboration of the Inspiring ERA project for one of the priority topics. In this MLE, 9 national governments, funders and research performing organisations (RPOs) representatives, will be paired with science communication research/practice representatives from the COALESCE Hubs of the same countries.

The goal of MLEs is to foster national support for science communication by enabling the joint exploration of specific research and innovation policy challenges and opportunities.

It does so by facilitating the exchange of knowledge, success stories, experiences, and barriers in advancing effective and trustworthy science communication – and by supporting preparedness for future crises in which science plays a vital role.

This participatory and cooperative process will equip representatives from the European Research Area member states and beyond with the skills, tools, and opportunities for synergies needed to enhance science communication in national R&I policies.

This PSF-inspired MLE builds on the results of previous and ongoing Mutual Learning Exercises on Citizen Science, Public Engagement, EU Missions, and Bridging the Gap Between Science and Policy.

MLE Priority Topics

1. Overview of the science communication landscape in national governance structures

2. Social perception of science, trust, and citizen engagement

3. Rapid mobilisation of science communication and responses to misinformation in times of crisis

4. Building skills and competences – toward a science communication competence framework

MLE Expected Results

• Enhance R&I systems with dedicated and integrated science communication funding

• Consolidate knowledge to improve science communication practices across all R&I actors

• Promote the mainstreaming of high-quality science communication

• Increase recognition and public support for science communication

• Improve access to and rapid mobilisation of trustworthy science communication

• Establish a science communication competence framework across EU member states and beyond

Participating countries

Estonia, France, Germany, Ireland, Lithuania,

United Kingdom, Portugal, Spain, Sweden

Documents

Factsheet for Mutual Learning Exercise: Science Communication in Research and Innovation

Topic Reports 

Topic 1 – Overview of the science communication landscape in national governance structures

Topic 1 experts – Ángela Monasor (FECYT), Joana Magalhães (SFC)

Topic 1 policy report – Magalhães J, Monasor A. (2026). Overview of the science communication landscape in national governance structures – a policy report, COALESCE project (grant agreement No 101095230), funded by the European Union. doi: 10.5281/zenodo.19218773 

KoM report – Magalhães J and Mendoza I (2026) Science communication policies in Europe – a SWOT analysis, COALESCE project (grant agreement No 101095230), funded by the European Union. doi: 10.5281/zenodo.22080163

Other relevant report – Magalhães J and Mendoza I (2025) Boosting the Science Communication Ecosystem in Europe – full steam ahead. A policy report. doi: 10.5281/zenodo.14771424

Case-studies presentations provided by government representatives and invited guests

Estonia

Germany

Ireland

Portugal

Sweden

Spain

United Kingdom

Topic 2 policy report – Monasor A., Taylor A., Refojo C., Roche J. (2026). Social perception of science, trust and citizen engagement – a policy report., COALESCE project (grant agreement No 101095230), funded by the European Union. doi: 10.5281/zenodo.22080204 

Case-studies presentations provided by government representatives and invited guests 

Germany

Ireland 1 and Ireland 2

Portugal

Sweden

Spain

United Kingdom

Invited Guest – Martin Bauer, Trust in Science or Technocracy Tolerance TT – two sides of the same coin? 
Invited Guest – Philip Ackermann, Inspiring ERA Project
Invited Guest – Maria Hagardt, ERA Trust in Science Structural Policy

Topic 3 – Rapid mobilisation of science communication and responses to misinformation in times of crisis

Co-organised with the Inspiring ERA Project – https://www.inspiring-era.eu/event/rapid-mobilisation-of-science-communication-in-times-of-crises-and-misinformation/ 

Topic 3 experts: Carolina Moreno Castro (UVEG), Isabel Mendoza (UVEG), Joana Magalhães (SFC)

Topic 3 policy report – Moreno-Castro C, Mendoza I, Magalhães J. (2026). Rapid mobilisation of science communication in times of crises and misinformation — a policy report, COALESCE project (grant agreement No 101095230), funded by the European Union. doi: 10.5281/zenodo.22080102

Case-studies presentations provided by government representatives and invited guests –

Estonia

Germany 1 and Germany 2

Ireland

Lithuania 

Spain

United Kingdom

Topic 4 – Building skills and competences – towards a science communication competence framework

Topic 4 experts: Ilda Mannino (VIU), Aoife Taylor (TCD)

Topic 4 policy report – Manino, I., Taylor, A. (2026). Building skills and competences – a scicomm competence framework – a policy report, COALESCE project (grant agreement No 101095230), funded by the European Union. doi: 10.5281/zenodo.22080226

Final report – Coming Soon