WHO DECIDES? The Science of Decisions

Date: 22 september
Time: 16:00-20:30 CET
Venue: Permanent Representation of Estonia to the EU, Rue Guimard 11-13, Brussels

What shapes decisions? And why is evidence alone often not enough?

Join us in celebrating the 14th anniversary of the Estonian Research Council’s Brussels Office with an evening that brings together the worlds of science, policy, and innovation.

WHO DECIDES? The Science of Decisions is an interactive experience where, together with researchers, policymakers, and innovators, we’ll tackle some of the biggest questions on Europe’s agenda:

• Can evidence drive better policy?
• Why do people make irrational decisions?
• How do we build trust in an age of misinformation and AI?
• What does effective science advice look like in today’s World?

Vote, challenge your assumptions, and discover why people don’t always make the best decisions. Expect surprising insights, lively debate, and a seminar that puts you, not just the speakers, at the heart of the conversation.

Whether you work in EU institutions, research, government, industry, or the wider policy community, this is an opportunity to experience the science behind decision-making!

Join us for an evening where your decisions become part of the experiment!

Programme

15:30 | Doors Open
Registration opens. Join us for coffee and informal networking before the seminar begins.

16:00–16:15 | Welcoming Words

16:15–17:05 | The Science Behind Decisions – Live Experiments with Experts
Become part of the experiment. Through live audience polling, behavioural science demonstrations, and expert insights, discover how cognitive biases, trust, narratives, and AI influence the decisions we make.

17:05–18:00 | Decision-Making at the Highest Level
How does scientific evidence inform decisions when the stakes are high and uncertainty is unavoidable? Drawing on decades of experience in leadership, diplomacy, and security, the discussion will explore how research, expert advice, and judgement come together in shaping public policy and national security decisions.

18:00–18:15 | Closing Remarks & Thank-yous
Key takeaways from the discussions and experiments, reflecting on what it takes to bridge science and policymaking in an increasingly complex world.

18:15–20:30 | Networking Reception
Continue the conversation over drinks and refreshments with colleagues from the European institutions, research organisations, academia, industry, and the wider Brussels science and innovation community.

Registration
Registration is open until 15 September. 

Entry upon for registered participants with ID card/passport only.

For further information please email carmen.kivistik@etag.ee (Head of Office, Estonian Research Council in Brussels)