In May 2014, the Centre for Science and Policy (CSaP) and the European Commission co-hosted a Brussels workshop on ‘New technologies and better evidence for EU policymaking’. One of its conclusions was the need to better connect the latest theory, policy and practice in this field. Building on an 2013 essay collection on Future Directions for Scientific Advice in Whitehall, a similar collection exploring the future of scientific advice at the European level was created.