UNU-CPR and Frontiers, in collaboration with the Group of Friends on Science for Action, convened an event during High-Level Week of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly to consider a central question for multilateral decision-making: how can scientific evidence move more effectively from research to policy, and from policy to action?
The discussion drew on From Science to Policy: Planetary Solutions in Action, a policy brief developed by UNU-CPR, Frontiers Policy Labs, the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and UNESCO. The brief translates research from the 25 Frontiers Planet Prize National Champions into practical policy pathways across four areas: decarbonization, water, biodiversity and institutional reform. In doing so, it aims to help policymakers identify where scientific findings can inform near-term decisions, long-term planning and international cooperation.
Participants examined what makes evidence useful to policymakers, including timeliness, clarity, credibility and relevance to decision-making processes. The conversation also focused on the conditions needed to move promising solutions from research into implementation at scale – from finance and infrastructure to institutional capacity, regulatory frameworks and international partnerships.
Speakers also considered how scientific findings can strengthen multilateral negotiations on climate change, biodiversity loss, water security, sea-level rise and other planetary challenges. The luncheon highlighted the importance of building stronger links between scientists and decision-makers, while also identifying evidence gaps that require further research, coordination and policy attention.
Speakers included UNU Rector and UN Under-Secretary-General Tshilidzi Marwala; Laure Zanna of New York University; Julie Zimmerman of Yale University; Ayaka Suzuki of the United Nations; Amir AghaKouchak of the University of California, Irvine; Rafael Peralta of UNEP; and 2026 Frontiers Planet Prize National Champions Helen Findlay and Nicolas Roux. The event was moderated by Madeleine Hamel of UNU-CPR and George Thomas of Frontiers.
