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All Insights
There is a compelling case for building greater public trust in science, with political representatives as key players and public policies as essential tools — particularly in the realm of sustainability. In this context, local and regional levels are the most effective scales for implementation.
Sustainable policies can be operated from the ground up through environmental education — making nature literacy a core part of school curricula across Europe — as well as through urban green space creation, investment in parks, rewilding, and community gardens that connect people with local ecosystems. Emotional connection to nature fuels public support for ambitious environmental policies. Youth engagement is also essential, empowering young people to take part in conservation and environmental stewardship.
Local territorial policies related to sustainability — such as participatory processes and citizen science initiatives — are strong tools for linking civil society with scientific literacy. Science should be a central element in evidence-based decision-making. Public trust in scientists enables decision-makers — such as politicians — to act based on the best available evidence and raises citizens’ awareness of how science influences daily life and well-being. A local and regional policy agenda driven by scientific knowledge helps transfer both the knowledge itself and its legitimacy to civil society. This has important implications for scientists and policymakers who aim to maintain and increase public trust in science.
Therefore, I advocate for decisions grounded in evidence, not ideology. This includes investing in research and innovation at the municipal and regional levels through science student scholarships, making scientific advice central to local government decision-making, combating misinformation through science communication campaigns, and applying science across sectors — not only in climate or sustainability, but also in agriculture, transport, urban planning, and digital transformation.
To unlock Europe’s full potential, a strong and sustainable Europe must align innovation with inclusion — ensuring scientific progress benefits all regions and communities — and sustainability with sovereignty, by reducing dependence on imported energy and raw materials through clean technology and a circular economy. Finally, the notion of unity through shared values is powerful: nature and science can unite diverse cultures around common goals.
At the local level, I pose a challenge for immediate action: the need for a “School of Mayors for Science Literacy” to address next-generation local and regional policy challenges. Such an initiative would strengthen municipalities’ commitment to designing and implementing policies grounded in the principles of sustainable development — accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We must shape our policies to maximise the power of science to address our shared challenges.
At the European level, we need stronger science diplomacy. Our universities are world-class and full of talent. Research and development can create the international networks required for global impact. Europe must increase its investment in science — making it the most attractive place in the world for research, innovation, and responsible business.
Ricardo Nogueira Martins (Lucerne, 1990) is Head of Sustainability at the Municipality of Lousada, Portugal, a researcher at the Communication and Society Research Centre of the University of Minho, and the IUCN WCPA Europe Young Professionals Regional Focal Point. He is also a member of the Scientific Committee of the Swiss sustainability organization PlusPoint (CHE-406.191.136).
He holds an Executive Leadership in Public Administration qualification from Porto Business School and an MSc in Geography, Planning and Territorial Management, a Postgraduate Diploma in EU Policies and Territorial Cooperation, and a Master’s degree in Strategic Innovation Management from the University of Minho.
His professional and research interests focus on EU policies, international relations, environmental diplomacy, territorial governance, nature conservation, territorial cooperation, innovation, and sustainable development.
His expertise in territorial cooperation is particularly centred on the science–policy interface, with a focus on strengthening nature conservation, human well-being, and innovation.
all Insights
There is a compelling case for building greater public trust in science, with political representatives as key players and public policies as essential tools — particularly in the realm of sustainability. In this context, local and regional levels are the most effective scales for implementation.
Sustainable policies can be operated from the ground up through environmental education — making nature literacy a core part of school curricula across Europe — as well as through urban green space creation, investment in parks, rewilding, and community gardens that connect people with local ecosystems. Emotional connection to nature fuels public support for ambitious environmental policies. Youth engagement is also essential, empowering young people to take part in conservation and environmental stewardship.
Local territorial policies related to sustainability — such as participatory processes and citizen science initiatives — are strong tools for linking civil society with scientific literacy. Science should be a central element in evidence-based decision-making. Public trust in scientists enables decision-makers — such as politicians — to act based on the best available evidence and raises citizens’ awareness of how science influences daily life and well-being. A local and regional policy agenda driven by scientific knowledge helps transfer both the knowledge itself and its legitimacy to civil society. This has important implications for scientists and policymakers who aim to maintain and increase public trust in science.
Therefore, I advocate for decisions grounded in evidence, not ideology. This includes investing in research and innovation at the municipal and regional levels through science student scholarships, making scientific advice central to local government decision-making, combating misinformation through science communication campaigns, and applying science across sectors — not only in climate or sustainability, but also in agriculture, transport, urban planning, and digital transformation.
To unlock Europe’s full potential, a strong and sustainable Europe must align innovation with inclusion — ensuring scientific progress benefits all regions and communities — and sustainability with sovereignty, by reducing dependence on imported energy and raw materials through clean technology and a circular economy. Finally, the notion of unity through shared values is powerful: nature and science can unite diverse cultures around common goals.
At the local level, I pose a challenge for immediate action: the need for a “School of Mayors for Science Literacy” to address next-generation local and regional policy challenges. Such an initiative would strengthen municipalities’ commitment to designing and implementing policies grounded in the principles of sustainable development — accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We must shape our policies to maximise the power of science to address our shared challenges.
At the European level, we need stronger science diplomacy. Our universities are world-class and full of talent. Research and development can create the international networks required for global impact. Europe must increase its investment in science — making it the most attractive place in the world for research, innovation, and responsible business.
Ricardo Nogueira Martins (Lucerne, 1990) is Head of Sustainability at the Municipality of Lousada, Portugal, a researcher at the Communication and Society Research Centre of the University of Minho, and the IUCN WCPA Europe Young Professionals Regional Focal Point. He is also a member of the Scientific Committee of the Swiss sustainability organization PlusPoint (CHE-406.191.136).
He holds an Executive Leadership in Public Administration qualification from Porto Business School and an MSc in Geography, Planning and Territorial Management, a Postgraduate Diploma in EU Policies and Territorial Cooperation, and a Master’s degree in Strategic Innovation Management from the University of Minho.
His professional and research interests focus on EU policies, international relations, environmental diplomacy, territorial governance, nature conservation, territorial cooperation, innovation, and sustainable development.
His expertise in territorial cooperation is particularly centred on the science–policy interface, with a focus on strengthening nature conservation, human well-being, and innovation.
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