With the support of the Science & Society Committee, who act as EMBL’s internal think tank, we run a range of internal and external events, designed to facilitate analysis of, and outreach on scientific issues with a societal relevance. This process establishes a vehicle for scientists, and experts from a variety of disciplines, to meet with members of the public, and to engage in dialogue, seminars, discussion meetings, conferences, and symposia. It also provides researchers with comprehensive insight into how society could be impacted by their research.