Our previous posts From Paper to Parliament and Tracking Policy Impact look at some of the practical aspects of using your research to generate impact on policy. But what can that look like in reality?

How does Arts and Humanities research influence public policymaking?, a new publication from UPEN and Durham University explores 21 cases of policy impact generated through research in the arts and humanities. Featuring the University of Portsmouth’s Angela Crack alongside 20 other researchers, this series of case studies considers how each policy interaction began, what collaboration was involved, challenges faced along the way, and tips for academics.

The collection offers extensive useful information for academics, but we have compiled some of the key advice offered in this publication. 

Clarify commitments and boundaries: Understand the time required to achieve policy impact, but also establish boundaries and clarify limitations as to your availability and the academic reach of your work. This can help to make sure that your expectations align with those of the policymakers you work with. 

Communicate appropriately: Ensure that communication and recommendations are in language and formats that are accessible to your target audience. This won’t necessarily align with academic styles that you are used to.

Value relationships: Build and embed long-term relationships, as policy impact can often be incremental and depend on mutual trust, and may also enable future access to policymakers for future work.

Solve a problem: Ensure that you understand what the policymaker is trying to address, what their priorities are, and why. Focus on solving a problem, not just communicating a finding. This can help you to understand and communicate why your research can benefit their cause. 

Collaborate and co-create: Engage with policymakers, or those who would be affected by a policy change, from early in your project. This may mean involving them in research design, or once you have interim findings. Engaging early can help you to tailor your research and dissemination to meet the policy need, and facilitate the development of mutual trust and interest between yourself and the policymaker.

The publication offers many more pieces of advice to academics, as well as insights into the different routes into and through policy interactions. You can find more information in the publication itself, How does Arts and Humanities research influence public policymaking?