Although science and research is a cornerstone of the economy and a strategic government priority, many researchers have little experience in engaging with policy makers. The relationship between the civil service, government and parliament, and their respective functions, can seem complex and opaque, and it can be difficult to see how research is relevant to policy makers and the decisions they take. At the same time, policy makers can struggle to engage with research, where policy implications and/or recommendations may be buried behind technical jargon or in highly complex scientific papers.
The fourth course in this series brings academic researchers together with policy makers to help break down barriers, encourage mutual understanding, and ultimately enable improved evidence-based policy making. It will provide early career researchers (PhD students, post-doctoral fellows and early career faculty) with an introduction to policy-making, show them how to engage with policy makers, either by their research being used to influence policy or by moving into a career in science policy. The course will focus on how policy is made and shaped in the UK, with one session focusing on international policy considerations.
The ultimate aim of this course is to build a community of policy-engaged researchers and research-engaged policy makers.
For more information and to register, visit the event webpage.
Enquiries to: conferences@wellcomeconnectingscience.org
