About the Authors

The Policy Engagement Toolkit is the result of a collaborative effort by researchers, policy engagement professionals, research managers, and science-policy experts from across Europe. Drawing on diverse academic, institutional, and practical experiences, the authors share a common goal: strengthening the connections between research and policymaking and supporting meaningful knowledge exchange across sectors.

Developed within the framework of the ENGAGEgreen project, this toolkit brings together insights from universities and partner organisations in several European countries. The authors have contributed their expertise in policy engagement, science communication, knowledge exchange, higher education, and public policy to create a practical resource for researchers, policymakers, and institutional support staff.

Through the examples, case studies, and guidance presented throughout this toolkit, the authors aim to showcase the many ways evidence and expertise can inform public decision-making. They believe that effective policy engagement is a two-way process—one that not only helps policymakers access research-based knowledge but also enriches academic research through dialogue with society and public institutions.

This page introduces the people behind the toolkit, their backgrounds, and their contributions to advancing evidence-informed policymaking across Europe. Their collective experience reflects the interdisciplinary and international spirit that underpins the ENGAGEgreen Policy Engagement Toolkit.

The toolkit was developed as part of the Erasmus+ project ENGAGEgreen, coordinated by Goethe University Frankfurt and implemented in collaboration with partner institutions across Germany, Spain, France, Italy, and Czechia.

Tome Sandevski is Programme Manager for Science-Policy Dialogue at Goethe University Frankfurt and coordinates joint policy engagement activities of the Rhine-Main Universities (Frankfurt, TU Darmstadt and Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz). He designs and delivers training on policy engagement for researchers and research managers.

Jaroslav Burian (jaroslav.burian@upol.cz) is an Associate Professor and Deputy Head at the Department of Geoinformatics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc. His expertise lies in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), spatial analysis, and urban and regional planning. He focuses on applying spatial data, sensor networks, and open data to support evidence-based decision-making in public administration.

Jakub Koníček (jakub.konicek@upol.cz) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geoinformatics at the Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc. His expertise includes Geographic Information Systems (GIS), digital cartography, and visual communication. He specializes in geovisualization, data visualization, infographics, and visual storytelling across various interdisciplinary fields.

David Corado (davidcorado@go.ugr.es) is a conference interpreter, translator, and predoctoral researcher in the Languages, Texts, and Contexts program at the University of Granada. Trained at institutions such as the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and the Universitat Jaume I, he holds an FPU UGR-Santander research contract and is a member of Medialab UGR, where he takes part in projects such as ENGAGEgreen and #YoSigoUGR. He currently combines his teaching and research work with professional conference interpreting, collaborating on a voluntary basis with organizations, associations, and non-profit entities. He has participated in academic projects, conferences, and publications related to interpreting and communicative competences.

Virginia Martínez Tudela (vtudela@go.ugr.es) is a digital project manager specialising in strategic partnerships, intercultural communication and the coordination of multidisciplinary initiatives and international teams. She holds a BA in Translation and Interpreting from the University of Granada and an MA in International Relations from the University of Nebrija, complemented by specialised training in Digital Marketing and Community Management. Her strong interest in international cooperation and multilateral institutions has led her to engage with the United Nations and the International Labour Organization. At the University of Granada, she collaborates with Medialab UGR in European initiatives such as ENGAGEgreen.

Esteban Romero-Frías (erf@ugr.es) currently works as Vice-Rector for Social Innovation, Employability and Entrepreneurship at the University of Granada and Full Professor in the Department of Accountancy and Finance. His academic and research work focuses on public and social innovation, digital learning, and digital humanities. Through UGR MediaLab, which he has directed since its foundation, he has led various collaborative projects such as Impronta Granada and UnInPública, aimed at building bridges between universities, public institutions, and society to tackle regional challenges.