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IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

Society in Motion: Science & Tools for Impact

When:
TUE, 23 SEPT 2025
From:
8:30 AM
To:
6:30 PM
Lunch included
Where:

4 Pl. de l'Europe, 1499 Neudorf-Weimershof Luxembourg

ECCL - European Convention Center Luxembourg
Secure your spot today!
Limited seats available for this exclusive workshop
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Why You Should Join

What does it take to turn insight into action? In today’s complex world, evidence—not guesswork—is the key to effective policy

Society in Motion is a full-day immersive event where research meets action through hands-on experimentation and scientific insight. From housing and ageing to social inclusion, competitiveness and other socio-economic issues, we will explore how research helps design more effective, fair, and future-ready policies.

 

What to Expect

This is not just another conference. No long keynote speeches—Instead, focused dynamic panels and interactive thematic spaces. We will delve into the pressing challenges shaping today’s world, and showcase how scientific innovation is designed to address them and support real societal transformation.

Plus, hands-on sessions will let you explore real-world tools, policy simulations, and research-based innovations up close.


Who It’s For

This event is for everyone contributing to societal transformation:

  • Policy-makers and civil servants
  • Public and private institutions supporting policy
  • Researchers and academics
  • Civil society organisations and engaged citizens

Whether you influence policy directly or simply care about how it is made—you belong in this conversation. Registration is free but recommended. 

 

Join us for Society in Motion

An experiential journey at the intersection of science and policy,

designed to engage, inspire, and activate

 

Step into the motion—and be part of the transformation

Society in Motion – Preliminary Programme

You are invited to embark on an immersive journey featuring hands-on experimentation and live demonstrations of scientific insights. These interactive activities will demonstrate innovative methods, data and tools in action, providing a valuable opportunity to witness the translation of research into practice and the impact of knowledge on society.

Throughout the day, participants will also be inspired by keynote addresses and panel discussions with leading figures from the worlds of research, policy, and practice addressing some of the critical issues at the heart of our changing society.

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Welcome coffee & registration
9:00 AM - 9:25 AM
Opening words

- Véronique Hoffeld, Chair of the Board, LISER

- Aline Muller, CEO, LISER

- Stephanie Obertin, Minister for Research and Higher Education, Minister for Digitalisation

- Max Hahn, Minister for Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception of Refugees

9:25 AM - 10:10 AM
Panel #1 – From Evidence to Action: Strengthening Research for Better Social Policies

Designing social policies that truly respond to people’s needs requires stronger ties between research and policymaking. This panel explores how Luxembourg and Europe can turn scientific evidence into actionable solutions, fostering policies that are both effective and future-oriented.

Among the panelists confirmed so far will participate:

- Max Hahn, Minister for Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception of Refugees

- Francesco Corti, Member of Commissioner Roxana Mînzatu's Cabinet, Executive Vice-President responsible for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, European Commission

- Charel Schmit, Ombudsman fir Kanner a Jugendlecher (OKaJu)

- Anne-Catherine Guio, Research Scientist, LISER

11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Panel #2 – Can Data and Knowledge Shape a Pension That Has a Future?

Waiting for perfect certainty can hinder necessary change. Research and know-how cannot fully remove unpredictability, but can they help us design systems that remain resilient in the face of evolving societal and economic realities?

Among the panelists confirmed so far will participate:

- Elsa Fornero, Professor at the University of Turin and former Minister of Labour and Social Policies (Monti Government, 2011–2013), in charge of the pension reform

- Eugenio Peluso, Research Department Director Living Conditions, LISER

- Thomas Dominique, Director IGSS

- Philippe Liégeois, Researcher at LISER (Living Conditions - Pensions) and President of the International Microsimulation Association

12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Keynote #1 – Public Acceptability of Reforms—Understanding What Matters to People

Romina Boarini, Director of the Centre for Well-being, Inclusion, Sustainability and Equal Opportunity (WISE), OECD

Public acceptability is central to the success of ambitious policies, whether they aim to tackle ageing and climate change or address inequality and digital transformation. This keynote will explore how perceptions, attitudes and social norms influence public support and examine how new OECD tools, such as the 'Risks that Matter' and 'Drivers of Trust' surveys, offer valuable insights into the 'demand side' of policymaking.

1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Panel #3 – Upskilling for a Changing World: From Data to Decisions

Rapid technological and environmental transitions are redefining jobs, skills and competitiveness in Luxembourg. This session will discuss how research and integrated data spaces can transform fragmented information into actionable insights to guide training systems, support talent attraction and empower evidence-based policymaking.

Among the panelists confirmed so far will participate:

- Christina Gathmann, Research Department Director Labor Market, LISER

- Serge Linckels, Managing Director, Digital Learning Hub

- Nikos Askitas, Head of the Research Data Center (ISDC) at IZA Bonn

2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Panel #4 – Breaking the Deadlock: Evidence and Collaboration for Housing Reform

Polarised debates on housing prices often prevent meaningful progress. This session will examine how research, data and cross-sector collaboration can help to overcome these deadlocks and shape policies that balance social needs with economic realities.

Among the panelists confirmed so far will participate:

- Michel-Edouard Ruben, Fondation Idea

- Ketty Dorla, IKO Real Estate

- Antoine Paccoud, Research Scientist and Coordinator Housing Observatory, LISER

- Paulette Lenert, Member of Parliament

- Luc Biever, Ministry of Housing and Spatial Planning

4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Keynote #2 : Evidence vs. Seduction: the Struggle

Jean Hindriks, Professor of Economics, Université Catholique de Louvain

Jean Hindriks will discuss how science can influence policymaking during turbulent times marked by political division, economic strain, and social unrest. As both an academic and a founding member of a Brussels-based policy think-tank, he has always advocated for evidence-based policies. In his keynote address, he will share first-hand lessons from his experience engaging with policymakers, where rigorous analysis intersects with lobbying pressures, ideological barriers, and electoral concerns, making it more difficult for evidence to be heard.

4:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Closing words

- Frédéric Docquier, Vice-executive Director, Policy Lab Coordinator, LISER

- Olga Nottmeyer, IZA

5:15 PM - 6:30 PM
Farewell drinks & networking

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Strengthening global labour economics research and policy engagement | The Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research (LISER) is proud to announce that the IZA Network, one of the world’s foremost communities in labour economics, will join LISER as its new institutional home starting January 1, 2026.

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