Videos
Towards a planetary boundary framework
In 2009, a team, led by the climate scientist Prof Johan Rockström, identified nine natural processes that regulate Earth’s biosphere and keep it stable. These include climate change, biosphere integrity, land-system change, freshwater change, biogeochemical flows, novel entities, ocean acidification, stratospheric ozone depletion and aerosol loading. For each of these processes the team defined the ...
Academic Freedom in Europe: safeguarding democracy, science and innovation
Academic freedom and democracy are not parallel values — they are interdependent. Where democracy weakens, academic freedom erodes. And where academic freedom is constrained, democracy itself is undermined. This is the central question that brought together policymakers, researchers and institutional leaders at the House of European History on March 4th, for the annual STOA high-level ...
Planetary health: a critical discipline for the future
Seven of nine planetary boundaries have now been breached which means that humanity is pushing Earth's critical support systems beyond their safe operating limits. The consequences are not distant threats but present realities: destabilized ecosystems, compromised food security, and mounting risks to human health and well-being. Planetary health has emerged as the scientific discipline that ...
STOA’s annual lecture: Academic Freedom in the US
In the past year, tensions between the US administration and many major American universities – apparently revolving around « Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) » policies and the handling of student and faculty protests - have reached a critical point. From legislative restrictions on teaching and frozen grants to political pressure on university governance, academic ...
The future of water availability and use in the EU: A STOA foresight study
Water is essential for life, food production, energy supply, and economic activity. Yet Europe increasingly faces a water crisis, with droughts and floods compromising both water quality and quantity across the continent. Climate change is already affecting water availability, and the situation is expected to worsen. Many EU regions face a growing mismatch between water ...
Unveiling the human exposome: A new frontier in environmental health science
While genomics has revolutionised our understanding of hereditary health conditions, research suggests that up to 90% of disease risks are actually linked to environmental exposures rather than genetics alone. Improved understanding and prevention of chronic illnesses, which account for most healthcare costs in Europe, can be achieved by focusing on the human exposome: the measure ...
Pairing scheme: Bridging science and policy
From climate change to public health crises, the challenges facing Europe today demand decisions grounded in solid scientific evidence. Yet bridging the gap between research and policy-making remains a persistent challenge. For nearly a decade, the European Parliament's Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA) has been tackling this through an innovative pairing ...
Empowered by Music in the Age of Innovation
Rapid technological advancements are transforming cultural and creative industries, affecting how music is created, shared and experienced. Digital tools such as AI-assisted composition software, virtual instruments and advanced production platforms give artists new ways to experiment and push creative boundaries. Streaming services and social media have reshaped and democratised distribution, making it easier for musicians ...