Scientific Foresight Unit

The European Parliament's Directorate-General for Parliamentary Research Services (DG EPRS) provides comprehensive research and analytical support to the Members of the European Parliament, its parliamentary committees and the European Parliament as a whole. The EPRS philosophy is to provide independent, objective and authoritative information.

More than 300 staff work in the DG's 25 units and services.  

More information about EPRS is available here:

• https://youtu.be/sMBLKXKhOhE?si=W7_bKixnb382sEq4
• https://epthinktank.eu/2025/04/07/apply-for-a-robert-schuman-traineeship-in-the-eprs/

 Why choose a traineeship at DG EPRS?   

'Empowering through knowledge' is the guiding principle of EPRS. As an EPRS trainee, you will be exposed to the core of the research and analysis process in the European Parliament. Surrounded by colleagues working on publications covering a wide range of EU policies, you will gain detailed knowledge of the EP's workings while honing your skills in your specific topic of interest. If you choose a traineeship in one of EPRS's library units, you will help the parliamentary community find the resources they need for their work.   

Within DG EPRS, the Scientific Foresight Unit (STOA) carries out interdisciplinary research and provides strategic advice in the fields of science and technology options assessment and scientific foresight. The unit also hosts the European Science-Media Hub (ESMH), a platform to promote networking, training and knowledge sharing among the European Parliament, the scientific community and the media. 

• Assisting in the organisation and follow-up of events and studies on scientific topics and science communication;
• Participating in the production and promotion of scientific evidence and advice for the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in connection with the activities of the STOA Secretariat, the Scientific Foresight Service, the European Science-Media Hub (ESMH);
• You will be, more specifically, asked to assist in the preparation and follow up of the monthly STOA Bureau and Panel meetings including the drafting of minutes.

Further tasks may include:      

• The editing of accessible two-pagers on a technological topic you may propose to your supervisor, in which you will analyse a technology, its possible impacts on society and the potential policy-making response at EU level, especially from the EP. For this task, your supervisor will offer you insight into foresight methods and guide you through the analysis.        

Additionally, you will have:     

• The opportunity to support the ESMH team in following trends in the coverage of scientific topics by the media, and preparing citizen-friendly publications in the field of science and new technologies;
• Also the opportunity to contribute to ESMH activities linked to better science communication, media and social media monitoring, and organising training sessions/events for science journalists and other stakeholders;
• Your tasks may finally include editing and communication tasks, including social media - e.g. drafting and/or editing of blog posts, event reports and meeting minutes;
• The most frequently used working language of the unit is English. Communication skills are most desirable. 

• You have a curious mind and an interest in the role science and technology play in European policy-making;
• You find today's societal challenges (such as climate change and the ageing population), but also the ongoing rapid technological developments (such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and genome editing), fascinating;
• You are interested in how the new technologies, social media and Internet are changing our society;
• You are motivated to find out how the European Parliament approaches these issues;
• You have a scientific and/or journalistic background or interest or you have an interest in science communication, in the sociology of technology or in using foresight to better prepare policy-makers for the future;
• You are able to work autonomously, with excellent research and English drafting skills;
• You are comfortable dealing with new issues - in addition to the work we will allocate to you, wherever possible according to your expertise;
• You are quite flexible and like to work in a team for achieving the tasks needed to meet the requests by the MEPs.

If this is a challenge that appeals to you, why not apply for an internship at the Scientific Foresight Unit, which provides, among other things, administrative support to STOA, the European Parliament's Panel for the Future of Science and Technology?

The European Parliament is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We welcome all candidates, regardless of their geographical, racial or ethnic origin, political or religious beliefs, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, civil status, or family situation.