Beyond research, inputs from other professionals with a valid basis to weigh in on policy will shape the environment in which policy colleagues operate. For instance, both opportunities and constraints can arise from the political and institutional contexts they navigate. Ideologies, norms, and past policies can shape how a problem is viewed and framed, limiting the politically feasible options. Equally, the political landscape can offer opportunities, such as elections or the need to address a crisis or other pivotal events. These factors influencing policy decisions are summarised in the figure below.
Factors influencing policy decisions, showing how research is one of the number of factors playing into most decisions.
To help you navigate this complexity, you can follow these steps:
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Work with policy colleagues to clearly identify a policy problem you can help with.
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Conduct research or draw on existing work to identify technically and politically feasible solutions to the problem.
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Use objective criteria and political goals to compare and rank solutions.
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Conduct research or draw on existing work to predict the likely outcomes of the top-ranked solutions.
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Make concise evidence-based recommendations to solve the problem, sharing the pros and cons of each solution and using visual aids to communicate clearly and make the problem seem solvable.
While these steps can help, it is essential to consider the complexities and divergent viewpoints inherent in real-world policymaking. Moving forward, we will explore strategies to manage these challenges responsibly, ensuring that your approaches to policy impact are both effective and equitable.
Interview with Iain Williams
In the next video, Iain Williams, Director of Strategic Partnerships at NERC, discusses leveraging context to shape policy. He highlights the importance of understanding the needs and constraints of policymakers, considering the longevity and broader impacts of proposed policies, and effectively communicating complex scientific information in a simple, relevant manner. This conversation offers strategic insights for researchers aiming to influence policy decisions by aligning their work with the practical realities and broader contexts within which policymakers operate.
Interview with Kathryn Oliver
In this interview, Kathryn Oliver, Professor of Evidence and Policy at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, delves into the complexities of how research integrates with policy frameworks. She discusses the nuances of translating academic insights into actionable policy recommendations, underscoring the importance of aligning research objectives with policy needs. Oliver emphasises the necessity of building strong relationships between researchers and policymakers to facilitate the effective use of evidence in decision-making processes, ensuring that research outcomes contribute meaningfully to policy development.