Who is this resource for?
Social scientists (particularly targeting early career researchers but could also act as a refresher for more experienced researchers)
What does it contain?
Signposting resources that include ‘top tips’ to help researchers translate/mobilise their research to generate impact when targeting/influencing policymakers. The library of resources includes the most up-to-date how-to guides, websites of interest, publications and articles. The below also contains additional resources and guides on different routes to influence including central and local governments.
Name of resource/publication |
Author/Date of publication |
Short description |
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Impacting policymakers |
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CIPR/Caroline Wood 2024 |
This CIPR-commissioned report starts with the perspective of the policymakers with case studies by examining how different central and local government decision makers seek out resources and what they value the most. The guide provides recommendations on how to enhance researchers’ communication strategies to maximize the impact of their research.
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Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford (Web resource) |
Engaging with Evidence initiative hosts a series of webinars on better policymaking as well as a hub for peer learning on key topics related to evidence-based policymaking and provides access to relevant resources, tools, and case studies for researchers.
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Created by NESTA in partnership with the Capabilities in Academic Policy Engagement and the Chief Scientific Adviser's Office at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC)
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A detailed step-by-step toolkit for researchers, policymakers and practitioners providing practical guidance on how to effectively engage with evidence in decision-making processes. It offers strategies, tools, and best practices for using evidence to inform policy. The toolkit recognises that different contexts and stakeholders require tailored approaches to evidence engagement and is therefore adapted to specific needs, priorities, and challenges.
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How to engage with policymakers: A guide for academics in the arts and humanities |
Institute For Government 2020 |
The Institute for Government partnered with the Arts and Humanities Research Council to produce this tailored guidance for arts & humanities researchers. The guidance brings together some of the learning from their three-day course about engaging with Government and parliamentary bodies at all levels illustrated with practical case studies of researchers leading with impact.
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Paul Cairney (blog posts)
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Several blogs on creating impact with policymakers including how to write policy briefs to sharing good practice. Sign up to Cairney’s blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.
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Perspectives on academic impact and expert advice to policymakers
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Paul Cairney 2021 (blog post) |
A useful summary into the dynamics of academic impact and offers practical advice for academics seeking to engage with policymakers effectively. |
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Institute of Development Studies 2017 |
The guidance is based on a review of the literature and interviews with key decision makers with practical tips on understanding the policy context and deciding when to approach policymakers to align with their timeline. The bitesize guide also recommends how best to engage and how to develop messaging to increase impact of your research. |
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Policy entrepreneur: Self-assessment questionnaire for researchers |
Overseas Development Institute (Web resource)
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Which type of policy entrepreneur are you? A self-assessment questionnaire developed by the Overseas Development Institute identifies four types - storytellers, networkers, engineers and fixers. |
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Research Excellence Framework 2024
(web resource) |
A database of impact case studies produced by Higher Education institutions outlining the changes and benefits of research. Each case study presents the research and impact in detail, and is peer reviewed by a panel of experts.
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Research to Action (Web resource) |
The Research to Action website provides valuable resources and insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers seeking to enhance the impact of research. From practical guidance and tips on how to effectively communicate research findings. The site also publishes a range of tools and templates to translate research into action and relevant articles and blogs on current trends and challenges.
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The dos and don’ts of influencing policy: a systematic review of advice to academics |
Paul Cairney 2019 |
A helpful systematic review of 86 ‘how to’ academic and grey literature offering advice to academics or policymakers on how to engage better with each other. The article identifies the most common guidance including the importance of making your research readable, accessible, the value of engaging regularly and building relationships with policymakers.
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Paul Cairney 2018 |
Cairney provides a helpful three-pronged strategy to become an effective policy entrepreneur, from the art of compelling storytelling to coming up with practical solutions ahead of time and how to adjust your approach to fit each unique situation. Cairney also provides a short summary of his research in a blog post.
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10 things to know about how to influence policy with research
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Overseas Development Institute 2024 |
A quick and simple checklist of 10 things researchers need to consider when engaging with policymakers focusing on who to target, how to construct messaging that will stand out and how to plan engagement.
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Winners and losers: communicating the potential impacts of policies |
Cameron Brick et al. 2018 |
A review of effective communication particularly in complex situations where there are multiple potential outcomes or large uncertainties. The research highlights the importance of clear and concise information as well as the use of visual aids and audience-centric information.
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Impacting international organisations |
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Engaging with the United Nations and Intergovernmental Organisations
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UCL public policy 2022
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An introductory guide on policymaking at the UN-level including information, advice and guidance on the different forms of engagement. |
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Getting your research into the European Parliament
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Taylor & Francis (web resource) |
An online guide exploring different routes to the European Parliament as well as how to engage with European Commission proposals.
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Working with international organisations
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The University of Oxford (web resource) |
Guidance produced by the University of Oxford on engaging with supranational institutions including questions to consider for researchers and useful weblinks to key international agencies such as the UN and other global entities.
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Impacting the UK Parliament and Government |
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Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology and University College London 2017
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Report examined how MPs, Peers and staff use research in Parliament. Credibility and relevance of the research are the most important factors for parliamentarians. The review also provides a short guide to understanding parliamentary processes. |
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Bennett Institute for Public Policy: University of Cambridge 2021 |
A short guide outlining all the different routes to engage with Parliament. Principally aimed at engineering and science researchers, the report also contains practical guidance that applies to any academic.
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UK Parliament (website) |
A library of free online webinars to help researchers understand Parliament and its processes including devolved legislatures.
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CLOSER (Cohort and Longitudinal Studies Enhancement Resources) (website)
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An online library of resources for researchers who want to engage with the government including formal consultations. The website also provides a range of templates for policy briefs and written evidence to Select Committees as well as how-to guides working with Parliament, Government, third sector organisations and NGOs.
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UK Parliament (website) |
A dedicated resource for researchers outlining the different ways they could approach and work with Parliament including how to submit evidence to a select committee and writing a policy brief. They also host training events for researchers. Follow @UKParl_Research on X to find out about their training schedule.
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Impacting UK local government |
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Bennett Institute for Public Policy: University of Cambridge 2021
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A short guide exploring the many different routes and pathways for academics to engage with and influence local government policy in England. |
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Martin Stanley (Website) |
Useful online guide about the structure and working practices of local government in England. There are several links to external resources including the National Audit Office’s short introduction to local government funding and how decisions are made.
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Impacting the voluntary sector and social movements |
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Collaboration between academic and voluntary organisation
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EDIT lab blog, King’s College London 2021 |
A brief highlight of some of the benefits and challenges of working with the voluntary sector and explores various models of collaboration, including participatory research, co-production of knowledge, and community-engaged scholarship. The blog discusses success factors such as clear communication, shared goals, and building trust and rapport. |
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Co-producing knowledge with social movements: A critical perspective
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London School of Economics (blogs) |
The blog post explores the concept of co-producing knowledge with social movements by highlighting the importance of recognising power dynamics and inequalities inherent in collaborations between academics and social movements.
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