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ESMH Summer School 2026: Science Communication in the age of Artificial Intelligence
On 22-25 June 2026, the European Science-Media Hub (ESMH) of the European Parliament held its sixth Summer School for young science journalists and content creators in Brussels, following a call for application published earlier this year. The 2026 ESMH Summer School focused on science communication... -
Can digital tools revive European democracy? Interview with Bjørn Bedsted
Online discussion platforms, digital deliberation tools, and - more recently – tools using artificial intelligence are increasingly being explored as ways to involve citizens more directly in policymaking processes. But can technology truly improve democratic participation? And what risks come with handing... -
Parasites: often overlooked but important for biomedical research
European biomedical researchers show a rising interest towards parasites, often regarded as natural oddities in the past but now recognised as vital parts of natural ecosystems, in addition to having a sizable impact on human health worldwide. Parasites are an incredibly diverse and broad group of... -
'The EU needs to be better prepared for new and emerging plant pests'
Plant pests can have severe consequences for the economy, environment and food security, as was seen with a bacterial pathogen that has already killed millions of olive tress across Southern Europe. Experts Sarah Hackfort and Chiel Scholten (Technolopis Group, Germany and The Netherlands) wrote a study... -
Is banning children from social media 'the' answer?
For many parents and policymakers alike, banning children from social media feels like the responsible thing to do in the fight against issues such as anxiety, sleep problems and screen addiction. But researchers warn that a social media ban alone cannot address the full spectrum of risks that children... -
Solutions to make Europe more resilient to raging wildfires
Fuelled by climate change and a shift in land-use practices, wildfires are increasing in number and intensity across Europe. In fact, last year was the worst year for wildfires in Europe in 20 years, according to an EUMETSAT report. Its authors contribute the intensity of the fires to factors like increasingly... -
Assessing EU's direct and indirect energy dependencies
Europe is highly dependent on fossil fuels, and 97% of the EU’s oil consumption is imported as well as 90% of its fossil gas consumption. How can Europe address this issue, especially at a time of geopolitical tensions that have a significant impact on energy and the economy? Assessing EU's direct... -
Why technology alone won't secure Europe's rail future
Rail transport carries only a modest share of passengers and freight across the EU, yet it is widely regarded as one of the most important tools available for meeting Europe's climate targets. The European Union has spent decades building a Single European Railway Area but persistent gaps in governance,...