ESOMAR Citizen Insights Summit
Join Us
This event takes place at the Thon Hotel EU in Brussels and has limited availability. Request a pass by registering below.
Please note that this is an in-person event only.
Overview
The ESOMAR Citizen Insights Summit is a premier gathering designed to explore the intersection of insights, public policy, and democracy. This event brings together experts, policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society to discuss the critical role of data-driven insights in shaping a more engaged and informed society. Attendees will discover how analytics, public opinion research, and social insights contribute to evidence-based policy-making, enhanced democratic processes, and strategic innovation.
Key Takeaways:
Insights for Democracy: How data and research strengthen policy-making and democratic engagement.
Rebuilding Trust: Using insights to combat distrust and foster transparency in institutions.
AI’s Role: The impact of AI in revolutionizing data analysis for informed decision-making.
Industry Collaboration: The power of partnerships between public institutions and private sector experts.
Emerging Innovations: Discover new technologies reshaping the insights industry.
Who Should Attend
The ESOMAR Citizen Insights Summit is designed for:
Policymakers and Government Officials: To understand how data-driven insights can inform and improve policy decisions, fostering transparency and public trust.
Insights Professionals and Researchers: To explore the latest methodologies and innovations in public opinion research and data analytics, and to discuss best practices for influencing policy and societal impact.
Civil Society Organizations and NGOs: To learn how insights can help in advocacy and promoting democratic engagement.
Corporate Leaders and C-Suite Executives: Interested in the intersection of data, technology, and societal challenges, and how insights can drive corporate social responsibility and public-private collaborations.
Academics and Thought Leaders: Engaged in the study of democracy, public policy, or data ethics, looking to contribute to and learn from discussions on the impact of insights on society.
Technology and AI Experts: Focused on how advancements in AI and analytics are reshaping the insights industry, with particular relevance to public policy applications.
Location
Thon hotel EU, conference room: Netherlands 2 & 3 Wetstraat 75 Rue de la Loi B-1040 Brussels Belgium
Join Us
This event has limited availability. Request a pass by registering below.
Agenda
Welcome Remarks
14:00 - 14:10Welcome Remarks by Joaquim Bretcha, ESOMAR Director General
Keynote by EP Director General for Communication
14:10 - 14:30Presented by Christian Mangold, Director General for Communication and Director General for Internal Policies, European Parliament
Cutting through the noise to understand what Europeans truly think and exploring how the new Commission, Parliament, and policy specialists can secure public buy-in.
The Foundation of Progress
14:30 - 14:50 | How research strengthens EU policymakingPresented by Christine Tresignie, Managing Director, Ipsos European Public Affairs, Belgium
Evidence-based decision-making is essential for addressing the EU's diverse challenges, from climate change and economic stability to technological innovation and social equity. By harnessing rigorous research across various traditional and innovative methods, EU institutions can develop policies that are not only effective but also resilient and inclusive.
This presentation will explore notable successes where research-driven approaches have delivered significant societal advancements, emphasising the critical need for continuous investment in research along with the promotion of a culture of data transparency.
Shaping the future
14:50 - 15:10 | Innovations in cross-national researchPresented by Tanja Kimova, Head of Evidence Continental Europe, Verian Group, Belgium
Cross-national research is evolving rapidly, driven by methodological advancements, digital transformation, and the increasing need to safeguard data provenance and secure high-quality, comparative social data. Innovations in survey methodology, including hyper-mixed mode designs, online probability-based sampling, and AI-driven data validation, are reshaping how researchers gather and interpret cross-country evidence.
Literature reviews highlight the impact of automation, large language models (LLMs), and adaptive survey techniques in enhancing data accuracy and respondent engagement. Additionally, new approaches to harmonisation and bias mitigation ensure greater comparability across diverse national contexts. Experimental research embedded within large-scale surveys provides insights into overcoming non-response bias, optimising response rates, and integrating external data sources to enrich traditional social research methods.
As demand for robust, policy-relevant evidence grows, the fusion of technology, methodological rigor, and interdisciplinary collaboration will be key to future-proofing cross-national research, ensuring its continued relevance and reliability in an increasingly complex global landscape.
Strengthening policy through research & innivation (Panel Discussion)
15:10 - 15:45With:
David Mair, Head of Unit, Joint Research Centre, European Commission
Christine Tresignie, Managing Director, Ipsos European Public Affairs, Belgium
Tanja Kimova, Head of Evidence Continental Europe, Verian Group, Belgium
Following their keynote presentations, our distinguished speakers will engage in a dynamic panel discussion exploring the evolving role of research in evidence-based policymaking. They will examine how methodological innovations, digital transformation, and data transparency are shaping the future of cross-national research and its impact on EU policies. From ensuring data quality to leveraging AI-driven insights, this discussion will highlight key challenges and opportunities in producing robust, policy-relevant evidence. Join us for an engaging dialogue on the intersection of research, technology, and governance in today’s rapidly changing world.
Coffee Break
15:45 - 16:15The (not so) secret tool for policymakers, politicians and the private and public sectors
16:15 - 16:30Presented by Tanya Abraham, Research Director Political and Social Research, YouGov, UK
How can you assess the impact of your policy? How do you gauge public attitudes on subjects such as the economy, your government’s handling of a pandemic, or an election?
Opinion polling, achieved through surveying a particular sample of a given population, is the most effective way to gather people’s opinions. These results consequently inform those who are asking the questions, from politicians, academics, the public and private sectors; they provide impartial information about what the public thinks and act as a guide for decision-makers when developing policies, informing strategic decisions, and understanding public attitudes.
This session will explore the application of polling, how data has strengthened policymaking in a cross-country setting and the benefits of utilising market research to better understand the world.
Won't somebody please think of the children?!
16:30 - 16:45 | Monitoring the impact of the pandemic on mental healthPresented by Dr. Roland Abold, Managing Director, Infratest, Germany
Public awareness of certain societal issues often increases significantly during times of crisis but tends to fade quickly once the acute phase is over. During the pandemic, there were extensive discussions about the impact of lockdowns, school closures, and other social restrictions, particularly on younger people. To address these effects effectively and provide necessary support, public institutions and policymakers require robust data.
Longitudinal research and tracking offer powerful tools to monitor these issues from a long-term perspective. The COPSY study, conducted by the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf in collaboration with Infratest Dimap, examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of children, adolescents, and their parents in Germany. Initiated in May 2020, the study is ongoing, with the seventh wave completed at the end of 2024. It is set to continue into 2025.
The Silent Voices of Europe
16:45 - 17:00 | How Social Intelligence Can Bridge the Gap Between Citizens and InstitutionsPresented by Daniel Fazekas, Founder & CEO, Bakamo.Social, Hungary
Have you ever considered that the fear of losing consumer status might outweigh the fear of losing jobs? Or that accents spoken by minorities could matter more than anything else? We understand these nuances because we never asked those specific questions.
Institution and business leaders often grapple with uncertainty. Yet, they assume they know which questions to ask to fill those gaps.
In this presentation we take a fundamentally different approach. Bakamo’s mission is to help decision-makers realize that the first step in problem-solving is asking the relevant questions. We employ a novel research methodology that diverges from traditional approaches. Instead of relying on preconceived queries, we listen to raw, unbiased conversations on social media. This method establishes a direct connection with citizens or consumers, allowing decision-makers to bypass their confirmation biases. By delivering the “unfiltered reality”, we enable leaders to ask the “right questions”.
Rethinking Research for Smarter Decision-Making (Panel Discussion)
17:00 - 17:30With:
Tanya Abraham, Research Director Political and Social Research, YouGov, UK
Dr. Roland Abold, Managing Director, Infratest, Germany
Daniel Fazekas, Founder & CEO, Bakamo.Social, Hungary
Following their keynote presentations, our speakers will come together for a thought-provoking discussion on how research shapes policy and decision-making. From public opinion polling to longitudinal studies and innovative social listening techniques, this panel will explore the power of data in understanding societal challenges and anticipating emerging trends. How can policymakers ensure they ask the right questions? What role does research play in capturing shifting public attitudes over time? Join us as we examine how diverse research methodologies can provide deeper insights, challenge assumptions, and ultimately lead to more effective, evidence-based policies.
Networking Drinks
17:30 - 18:30Speakers
David Mair
Head of Unit, Joint Research Centre at European CommissionDavid joined the European Commission in 1995 and the Joint Research Centre (the Commission's science and knowledge service) in 2011.
He is currently Head of Unit responsible for the JRC’s work on democracy, science for policy, collaboration & knowledge-sharing ("Science for Democracy and Evidence Informed Policymaking "). Between 2011 and 2016 he was Head of Unit responsible for the JRC work programme, science advice to policy and foresight. From April 2015 to December 2015 he was Acting Director.
From 1998 to 2011 he worked in DG Health and Consumers on consumer policy strategy, regulatory enforcement and research, data and statistics, as Head of Unit between 2007 to 2011 for consumer market monitoring and analysis, Consumer Markets Scoreboard and work on consumer behaviour. Before that he worked for DG Taxation, the UK Treasury, UBS and the British Army. He studied History at Cambridge University.
Christine Tresignie
Managing Director, European Public Affairs, Ipsos at IpsosChristine Tresignie leads Ipsos European Public Affairs, managing a multidisciplinary team of researchers dedicated to uncovering what European citizens think, need, and want. With over 20 years of expertise, she has overseen high-profile research programs such as the Flash Eurobarometer for the European Commission and the Consumer Expectations Survey for the European Central Bank, providing deep insights into public sentiment across Europe. Through evidence-based research, Ipsos European Public Affairs plays a pivotal role in shaping policies and strategies by capturing the diverse perspectives of citizens on complex issues.
Tanja Kimova
Head of Evidence Continental Europe at VerianTanja is the Head of Evidence for Continental Europe at Verian, bringing over 15 years of expertise in leading complex pan-European projects and multinational (3MC) surveys. She specialises in quality assurance, mixed-mode research, online probability-based surveys, and technology-driven innovation, ensuring high-quality, actionable insights for European Institutions clients.
Tanja has played a key role in advancing best practices for response rate optimisation, non-response bias mitigation, and data validation. She has contributed significantly to transitioning survey time series to new data collection modes, with a particular interest in mixed-mode questionnaire design and innovative approaches to future-proofing survey methodologies.
Tanja holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology, a Master’s in Communication, and an MSc in Statistics and Data Science from KU Leuven (Belgium). She is a trusted leader in delivering innovative, impactful research solutions across Europe.
Tanya Abraham
Research Director Political and Social Research at YouGovTanya Abraham joined YouGov in 2011 and is a Research Director for the Political and Social Research team. Tanya’s experience includes working on the UK’s general elections and referendums since 2014. Her focus is on international politics, social and development topics, and she works with a range of academic and non-governmental bodies such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and UCL.
Tanya holds degrees from the University of Birmingham and University College London.
Dr. Roland Abold
Managing Director at Infratest DimapRoland is Managing Director at infratest dimap in Berlin, one of the leading German institutes for political polling and research. Before that, he has worked for many years and in different roles at GfK. In his last assignment he was heading up GfK’s international media measurement business. He holds a PhD in Political Science and was working several years as an assistant professor at the University of Bamberg, Germany. Roland is an elected Board Member at ADM (business association for market and social research agencies in Germany), sits in some other Supervisory Boards and has been a lecturer for market and public opinion research for many years”
Daniel Fazekas
Founder & CEO at Bakamo SocialDaniel Fazekas is the CEO and Founder of Bakamo, a social intelligence firm supporting governments, international organisations, and corporations in navigating societal complexities. By analysing natural social media conversations, he has informed strategies on public trust, disinformation, civic engagement, and resilience. His work has contributed to shaping policies and communications for organisations such as NATO, EU Commission, and global brands, with impact across Europe, the US, Africa, and the Middle East.
Joaquim Bretcha
Director General at ESOMARJoaquim Bretcha is the Director General of ESOMAR and an Economist at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. As a longstanding member of the ESOMAR Council, he has significantly contributed to the creation and expansion of the International Business Unit at Netquest since 2010. These roles ensure his constant involvement with the international market research community and keep him up-to-date with the latest industry developments.
Previously, Joaquim has held several key positions including Director of Marketing and Purchases at Auchan supermarkets in Spain, Retail Director at Kantar Worldpanel Spain, and Merchandising Director at Carrefour supermarkets in Spain. More recently, he co-founded the NGO "Health us Nepal" which aims to improve healthcare in the remote region of Humla, and he has shared his experiences as a TEDx speaker in England.
Joaquim's motto during his ESOMAR presidency, "Building bridges," reflects his commitment to connecting people and businesses to foster progress. His extensive background defines him as an experienced international manager with expertise in the data, insights, and market research industry. He is a strong business development professional with skills in negotiation, sales, public communication, team engagement, and management.