Why might you want to engage with policymakers?
Translating research into action:
- Engaging with policymakers allows you to translate your research findings into actionable policies
- By actively engaging with policymakers, you contribute to the culture of evidence-based decision-making, ensuring that policies are grounded in rigorous scientific research
- By communicating your work effectively, you can contribute to the development of strategies and interventions that address real-world challenges.
Research impact:
- Through policy engagement, you can amplify the impact of your research beyond academic circles
- Engaging with policymakers provides a pathway for your research to contribute directly to the improvement of healthcare systems and create meaningful change at the societal level
- Many funding bodies and academic institutions prioritize research impact. Engaging with policymakers aligns with this agenda, demonstrating the real-world significance and applicability of your research.
Addressing societal challenges:
- Policymakers are responsible for addressing broader societal challenges, and health is often a critical component
- By collaborating with policymakers, you can contribute your expertise to address complex issues such as disease prevention, healthcare accessibility, public health disparities, environmental regulations, green space accessibility etc.
Access to resources:
- Policymakers control resource allocation, and engaging with them can open doors to funding opportunities, infrastructure support, and other resources that can enhance the impact and reach of your research.
Building relationships and networks:
- Engaging with policymakers allows you to build relationships with key stakeholders in government, public health agencies, and other relevant institutions.
Enhancing public understanding:
- Policymakers often play a crucial role in communicating complex scientific concepts to the general public. By engaging with them, you can contribute to accurate and effective science communication.
Working with the Westminster Parliament
Each year the Royal Society pairs 30 research scientists with UK parliamentarians and civil servants. They learn about each other’s work by spending time together in Westminster and the researcher’s institutions.
Those taking part gain an insight into how research findings can help inform policy making, and come away with a better understanding of how they can get involved.
Applications for the 2024 cohort are now closed. Applications for 2025 will open in October 2024.
Discover more information about the scheme.
How to engage with them
The NCCPE has a great guide on how to engage with policymakers. It links to best practice and other useful resources.
1. Government Conferences:
The UK government organizes conferences and events addressing various policy issues. Look for events organized by government departments such as the Department of Health and Social Care, the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy, or the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Looking at the events page on the Department of Health and Social Care led to a blog post about Co-production Week. This led to the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) and its co-production steering group, Think Local Act Personal. TLAP works to influence areas of policy that affect people who draw on care and support, and are currently working closely with the government to promote personalisation and co-production.
Following similar lines of investigation might lead you to other pathways into engaging with policymakers.
2. Research and Innovation Conferences:
Conferences focused on research, innovation, and technology often include discussions on policies shaping these areas. Examples include events organized by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) or specific research councils. Innovate UK hosts conferences which are a brilliant opportunity for researchers to network with policymakers.
3. Health and Medical Conferences:
Conferences in the health and medical fields often involve policymakers. For instance, events organized by the National Health Service (NHS), medical associations, or health research institutions may provide opportunities for engagement.
4. Local Government Meetings:
Attend local government meetings in Liverpool that discuss public health, healthcare accessibility, and related issues. Local councils often hold public meetings or forums where policymakers may be present. The Liverpool Council holds consultations throughout the year to seek the views of residents, business owners, visitors and stakeholders on a range of topics.
5. Research Impact Forums:
Some universities host forums or events specifically focused on the impact of research on policy and society. These forums often involve discussions with policymakers.
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