Folk och Forskning – dialogue for evidence-based policymaking

Folk och Forskning (Science & Society) is a Swedish forum bringing together researchers, policymakers, civil society and other stakeholders to discuss how scientific evidence can contribute to well-informed democratic decision-making.

Complex societal challenges require spaces where people from different sectors can examine problems, evidence and possible solutions together. Public & Science Sweden therefore created Folk och Forskning as a recurring meeting place for dialogue on evidence-informed policymaking.

The forum brings together researchers, practitioners, politicians, representatives of civil society organisations, business and other stakeholders for open and constructive discussions. The aim is to clarify what scientific knowledge is available, where important knowledge gaps remain, and how evidence can be used alongside political priorities, values and wider societal considerations.

Discussions explore questions such as:

• How should policymakers respond when evidence from different research fields points in different directions?
• What does the available evidence allow us to conclude — and what remains uncertain?
• Where are the most important gaps in knowledge?
• How can scientific evidence be combined with political priorities, values and societal needs?
• How can researchers, policymakers and civil society work together to support better-informed public decisions?

Folk och Forskning takes place annually, with a different theme each year.

The next Folk och Forskning will be held on 28 April 2027 in Uppsala, Sweden.

Public & Science Sweden develops the programme together with member organisations and other partners. Roundtable discussions focus on different aspects of evidence-informed policymaking and bring together perspectives from research, policy, civil society and practice.

Member organisations and other interested actors are invited to propose topics and contribute to the design of roundtable sessions. Public & Science Sweden selects and develops proposals together with the organisations involved, with the aim of creating a coherent programme representing a broad range of perspectives.

For more information or to propose a roundtable discussion, contact folkochforskning@vetenskapallmanhet.se.