Policy impact shows up across all subject areas, from policies around water safety shaped by researchers in Science and Health to research influencing interviewing policies for the BTP and other police forces in Humanities and Social Sciences. 

Engaging with policymakers can be an excellent way to make the most of your research, and make the difference that you want to see across the country. But how do you get your foot in the door?

Who, How and When

Channels

There are three key parliamentary groups to engage with: POST (Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology), Libraries and Select Committees. These three groups actively seek emerging research, deliver this in manageable formats to policymakers, and scrutinise government policy on the basis of evidence. 

It is also important to maintain a public profile, for example by engaging with debates and on social media and blogs, contributing to public consultation exercises, briefings and reports, and corresponding directly with MPs and peers. This makes it more likely that you will be sought directly for your input, and helps you to stay up-to-date with emerging issues. 

Language

Target your language for a non-specialist audience. Whilst the policymaker reading your work may be the best person to bring your research into policy, it is unlikely that they are well-versed in the intricacies of your subject area. They may be unfamiliar with academic writing, or struggle with jargon and abbreviations. Ensure that your writing is clear and accessible, and make the most of statistics or narrative case studies to demonstrate the real-world implications.

Timing

Respond quickly with up-to-date research if you are contacted or see a call for evidence. If you are aware of a current topical issue which your research addresses, seek out conversations with policymakers as soon as possible, even if there hasn’t been a call.

Now to get started…

The Office for Science released a database in September compiling all current Areas of Research Interest (ARIs). ARIs are lists of research questions or topics which government departments and agencies would welcome more research on to inform their policies.

New opportunities for the research community to engage with Parliament are shared regularly through the RIS blog, so make sure you’re following to receive updates. 

Check out our new guide to Policy Impact for more information and useful links, or get in touch with the impact team if you have any questions! 

Try searching ‘APPG’ followed by a keyword related to your research (e.g. ‘APPG migration’) to find relevant All-Party Parliamentary Groups and upcoming events.

You may also find it useful to subscribe to the UPEN newsletter which shares updates and events on policy engagement.