Today’s global challenges, from climate emergency to the emerging pandemics, require efforts in science advice and a dialogue at the interface of science, policy, and diplomacy. Engaging across generations is essential for sustaining and evolving this science-policy interface, and early-to-mid-career researchers (EMCRs) play a pivotal role in this effort, bringing new perspectives to how science-based evidence is generated, communicated, and applied.

They represent the next generation of specialists to carry forward and reshape the practice of science advice. Yet, despite this recognised potential, their involvement remains inconsistent due to persistent barriers for systematic engagement that are well known but remain unresolved.

One of the key barriers lies in the structure of academic incentives. Within most research systems, career advancement depends on traditional metrics such as publications, citations, and research grants. Activities that involve advising policymakers or translating research into actionable knowledge are rarely rewarded, and sometimes even perceived as distractions from “real” research. For EMCRs, who are often navigating precarious career stages, the absence of clear recognition for science-policy engagement can discourage participation altogether.

Another critical challenge relates to awareness and appropriate training. EMCRs have limited exposure to the mechanisms and stakeholders of science advice, as well as to the skills required for effective communication and engagement with policymakers, ranging from understanding the policy cycle to translating complex evidence into accessible narratives and developing trusted relationships. Finally, the absence of networks for enabling the engagement of EMCRs in the science-policy interface often limits their capacity to get involved and contribute meaningfully.

To overcome the challenges, one important contribution lies in helping to redefine what “quality” means in the context of research assessment and science advice. This aligns closely with the initiatives such as the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA), which advocates for a more holistic understanding of research quality beyond traditional metrics. Embedding science for policy contributions within this evolving assessment landscape could signal that policy engagement is a legitimate and valued component of research. By developing or supporting frameworks that recognise excellence in science advice, INGSA-Europe and others can encourage institutions and funders to value these contributions alongside conventional academic outputs. Strengthening the visibility of science advice within performance evaluations would send a clear signal that policy engagement is an integral part of a research career.

Moreover, INGSA-Europe can leverage its extensive network to connect EMCRs with established science advisers and policymakers, creating the much-needed pathways for mentorship and collaboration. Such connections are vital for building confidence and credibility, enabling professional growth, as well as for learning from real-world experiences of how science advice operates. Moreover, INGSA’s network and global reach provide opportunities to connect EMCRs with science advisers and policymakers to exchange lessons across national boundaries, offering comparative insights into how different systems support involvement in science-policy interfaces.

Beyond structural recognition, capacity-building remains essential. INGSA’s strength in training and global outreach positions itself to offer tailored learning opportunities for EMCRs, focusing on the practical and relational dimensions of science advice. Workshops, fellowships, and online resources can help demystify the process of engaging with policy while fostering a shared language between scientists and decision-makers. Increasing awareness of existing programs and stakeholders through mapping exercises or curated directories would further lower the entry barriers for EMCRs to engage. Finally, producing practical guidance, as manuals, toolkits, or policy-engagement guides, could serve as tangible starting points for those new to the field.

These suggestions resonate with the recent strategies to strengthen the involvement of EMCRs in science advice proposed by the Science Advice for Policy by European Academies (SAPEA). SAPEA commits to boosting EMCR engagement by familiarising them with science-advice processes and providing onboarding and support; recognising and rewarding their contributions through certificates, visibility and alignment with assessment reform via CoARA; strengthening collaboration, partnerships and networking via young academies and EMCR networks; expanding the EMCR network across Europe, in particular in under-represented regions and through “associated membership”; and embedding equality, diversity and inclusion throughout its working groups and advisory activities, while tracking progress with clear targets and indicators.

Ultimately, the meaningful integration of EMCRs into science-for-policy ecosystems is a matter of trust, fairness, and effectiveness. The diversity of perspectives that EMCRs bring across disciplines, backgrounds, and experiences can enhance the quality and adaptability of science advice, contributing meaningfully to evidence-informed policymaking.

Empowering the next generation to contribute to policymaking is therefore an investment in the resilience and relevance of the science advice systems worldwide. By addressing both incentives and awareness, science advice networks, such as INGSA-Europe and others, can catalyse change, strengthening relationships and unlocking EMCRs’ potential in a sustained and inclusive manner, ensuring that the voices shaping tomorrow’s policies reflect the full breadth of the research community and our society.