top of page
Search

Call for Belgian scientists: Shape the Future of IPCC Assessments

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has launched a call for expert nominations to participate in two crucial, co-located workshops scheduled for the first quarter of 2026. These workshops are a key part of the Seventh Assessment Report (AR7) cycle and offer a unique opportunity for scientists, practitioners, and knowledge holders based in Belgium to make a significant impact on the future of global climate change assessment.

Belgium, through its national focal point hosted by the Belgian Science Policy Office (Belspo), plays an active role in the IPCC process. This announcement outlines how scientists based in Belgium can contribute to the IPCC's work and make a meaningful impact on assessing the body of scientific literature relating to climate change.


The Workshops


The IPCC will convene two three-day workshops at a venue yet to be determined. An overarching goal for both is to recommend how new and extended assessment methods can be applied to different knowledge systems (scientific, Indigenous, local, and practitioner).


The workshops, approved at the 62nd IPCC Session in February 2025, are:


🔹 Workshop 1: Engaging Diverse Knowledge Systems


This workshop will focus on how to best access and assess various systems of knowledge within the IPCC's framework. Key aims include:

  • Addressing how Indigenous and local knowledge systems can be effectively and equitably integrated into IPCC assessments.

  • Building on experiences from other appropriate forums.

  • Making recommendations to funding agencies on supporting the engagement of knowledge holders in the IPCC's work.


🔹 Workshop 2: Methods of Assessment


This workshop will explore the means by which diverse knowledge can be assessed. Specific aims include:

  • Making recommendations on applying systematic review methods to strengthen assessment practices.

  • Considering how new methods like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning could be built into the IPCC's work.

  • Addressing how ex-post evaluation evidence (learning from past policies and actions) can be assessed by the IPCC.

  • Identifying necessary limitations or precautions to ensure adherence to IPCC principles.



Who Should Apply?


Nominations are welcome from knowledge holders, practitioners, and scientists with relevant expertise. The selection process will consider scientific, technical, and socio-economic expertise, as well as regional and gender balance, and a mix of participants with and without previous IPCC experience.


For the Workshop on 'Engaging Diverse Knowledge Systems', expertise is sought in:

  • Indigenous knowledge systems, particularly from members of Indigenous Peoples communities.

  • Local knowledge, meaning the understandings developed by communities specific to where they live.

  • Practitioner knowledge from individuals like policymakers, NGO staff, and community leaders with experience in climate action.

  • Scientific knowledge, including from the social sciences and humanities.


For the 'Workshop on Methods of Assessment', expertise is sought in:

  • Artificial intelligence, including large language models and machine-learning tools for literature review.

  • Systematic review of scientific literature and other forms of knowledge.

  • Ex-post evaluation of climate actions or other relevant policies.


Nominations are particularly encouraged from representatives of Indigenous Peoples, experts whose work bridges both workshops, and those with experience from other global environmental assessments (e.g., IPBES, UNEP).


Nomination Procedure


Interested candidates based in Belgium must submit their application to the Belgian IPCC Focal Point for consideration.


Application process:



The deadline for submissions is Friday, 11 July 2025, at 17:00 CEST.


Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted. Please note that the final selection of participants is made by the IPCC Chair, with advice from the Scientific Steering Committee.

For more detailed information, please consult the Official IPCC Invitation Letter (PDF).

For questions, please contact the Belgian IPCC focal point at ipccfocalpoint@belspo.be.


Belspo, as Belgium’s national focal point for the IPCC, coordinates national contributions, supports expert nominations, and ensures the dissemination of IPCC findings to policymakers and stakeholders.

 
 
bottom of page