TERRA Policy Hub: Excellence in science translates into strategic action for the country
Researchers from the TERRA Associate Laboratory and experts from PLANAPP came together in Torres Vedras to translate scientific evidence into direct recommendations for public policy.
The Torres Vedras campus of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon (Medicina ULisboa) hosted the TERRA Policy Hub on December 15–16. This collaborative working meeting brought together around 40 researchers from the five Research Units that comprise the TERRA Associate Laboratory, with the aim of building strong bridges between scientific knowledge production and political decision-making.
The TERRA Policy Hub was designed as a space for reflection and action structured around three fundamental pillars: sustainability, health, and the society–nature relationship. Over two intensive days, researchers moved away from the traditional conference format and engaged in a co-creation methodology focused on addressing real societal and territorial challenges.
The Hub’s activities were organized around four areas of critical impact in which TERRA has extensive research expertise:
– Nature Prescription: Exploring the direct benefits of contact with nature for public health and well-being.
– Greening Cities: Focused on urban resilience and the role of green infrastructure.
– Agroforestry: Dedicated to the sustainable and multifunctional management of agroforestry systems.
– Scientific Collections: Addressing the importance of preserving and enhancing biological and geological heritage.
The event benefited from the crucial participation of PLANAPP. Acting as knowledge brokers, public administration representatives helped guide the translation of academic knowledge into effective languages and formats to support the design of public policies.
Beyond its technical outcomes, the event was also highly successful in promoting interdisciplinary integration. The exchange of experiences among researchers from the five Research Units helped align strategic priorities and consolidate new lines of collaboration.
As a direct outcome of this meeting, TERRA will publish four dedicated Policy Briefs (one for each thematic area). These documents, which will provide clear guidance grounded in the best available scientific evidence, will be made publicly available and submitted to the relevant authorities and key policy decision-makers in Portugal.
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