Photo by:
Tara, AdobeStock
Our impact 2021-2025
From 2021 to 2025, EFI Policy Support strengthened the connection between science and forest policy across Europe. In a period shaped by Covid-19, changing policy priorities and an increasingly complex information landscape, we adapted how we produced, communicated and shared knowledge to ensure that sound science could reach those who need it most.
Bringing science into policy
Across the 5-year period, six major in-depth studies were published with a wide range of topics covered, always with a European focus: Closer-to-Nature Forest Management, forest biodiversity, forest-based climate change mitigation and adaptation, meeting the EUs Forest Strategy goals, sustainable finance and forest biodiversity criteria, and carbon farming in the forest sector. Their results found uptake in different ways in the policymaking process as well as in academia at broad.
Our flagship ThinkForest events continued to provide a trusted space for scientists, policymakers and stakeholders to exchange knowledge and perspectives. Between 2021 and 2025, we hosted 17 ThinkForest events, bringing together more than 10,500 participants through live and online formats, including 241 policymakers.
The dialogue goes beyond one-way communication. ThinkForest creates opportunities for policymakers and scientists to engage directly, helping us understand where evidence is needed, how it can best inform policy, and how scientific knowledge can be translated into practical policy discussions.
We also expanded our formats. The Helsinki Forest Talks, launched in 2024, brought forest policy discussions to ambassadors and other high-level representatives, creating new opportunities for dialogue at the science–policy interface.
Making science accessible
To complement our in-depth studies and events, we introduced new ways of communicating complex scientific evidence in concise and accessible formats.
Since its launch in 2022, our Policy Brief series has produced 18 briefs covering topics ranging from forest biodiversity and climate goals to ecosystem services, forest resilience, biodiversity credits and the EU Forest Strategy.
In 2025, we introduced the “What is” series, offering short, accessible explanations of key forest-related concepts and policy topics. Its first year attracted more than 1,000 views, demonstrating the demand for concise, science-based information.
Our digital platforms also continue to connect research with wider audiences. Across 2021–2025, Policy Support publications received 24,484 downloads and more than 60,000 DOI visits, while our policy support webpages attracted 139,261 views.
Growing reach and influence
The impact of our work is reflected not only in participation and online engagement, but also in the continued use of EFI knowledge in scientific and policy discussions.
EFI Policy Support publications received 1,432 scientific citations during the five-year period, alongside 127 citations in stakeholder and policy documents. We also provided 76 expert statements and presentations, responding to demand for independent, science-based expertise.
Our social media audience grew significantly, reaching 56,619 followers in 2025 – a 49% increase since 2021. This reflects a broader shift in how audiences access information and highlights the growing importance of digital channels for reaching policymakers, stakeholders, researchers and new audiences.