EUGLOH Simulation Workshop: Bridging Research, Industry, and Politics for Meaningful Change

The EUGLOH Simulation Workshop “Health Innovation: Research, Industry – or Politics?!” took place from the 2nd to 4th June 2025 at Universität Hamburg. Students were given the opportunity to explore how they would handle the pressure of EU-level political decision-making through immersive case studies, a high-profile conference and hands-on participation. Mia Almanstötter, a Master’s student in Public Health at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munchen was one of the participants of the workshop. She shares her experience:

 

Mia's Story:

One of the most memorable moments for me was standing in front of our peers during the mock press conference, advocating for research integrity while defending our amendments to the proposed EU legislation. This way I experienced the meaning of translating science into policy while under pressure from the media team. Participating in this simulation helped me develop a deeper appreciation for the balance between political urgency and scientific caution, especially when decisions have ‘real-life implications’ on public health. The collaborative challenge of debating with fellow students from across Europe opened my mind to the many ways cultural perspectives shape how we interpret innovation, responsibility, and crisis. What surprised me was that one group was assigned the role of opposing the policy process from within, deliberately challenging every proposal rather than contributing to a shared solution. 

While I strongly believe in collaborative decision-making, this made me reflect on how conflict, resistance, or even obstruction can sometimes be a strategic part of political negotiation, and how not every actor enters the process with the intention of compromise. It also made me realise how much organisational effort, coordination, and behind-the-scenes negotiation are required to even get to the point of drafting a shared policy, especially when interests are so diverse and sometimes fundamentally opposed. It was very interesting to see how quickly our group evolved from tentative discussions to confident advocacy. Working alongside students from all over Europe, I experienced the value of collaboration
firsthand. Even beyond our roles, we shared dinners, explored Hamburg, and exchanged
ideas and aspirations for our futures in health and research. This experience made me more confident in my academic direction, sharpened my English communication skills, and reminded me that impactful science happens when we leave our comfort zone and enter the political arena. 

I realised how essential it is for scientists to be involved in shaping regulations, especially during crises when evidence must be translated quickly and clearly. Whether through research-based advocacy, health policy advising, or future EU-level collaborations, I now feel more prepared and motivated to contribute to sustainable and science-informed decision-making in Europe. Looking back, this experience with EUGLOH was much more than a simulation: it was a space to question assumptions, challenge my own role as a future public health professional, and learn what collaboration across cultures really means. It taught me that decision-making is rarely clean or linear, but that dialogue, diversity, and critical thinking make all the difference. I’m deeply grateful to EUGLOH for creating opportunities like this one, where students are not just included, but empowered to engage, grow, and shape the future of European health innovation.

This text is part of the “My EUGLOH story” series, in which members of the EUGLOH community talk about their EUGLOH experience.

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