Research Policy Impact Centre will help universities bridge the gap between research and policy

A new initiative, launched today in London, will empower university academics to better engage with politics and support evidence-based policymaking in the UK’s governments and Parliaments. The Research Policy Impact Centre will help universities meet the increasing demands of the Research Excellence Framework (REF), which encourages academics to showcase the impact of their research outside of academia. 

 The Centre has been set up by two leading communications agencies with experience working with universities, Tendo Consulting and The Other Place Public Affairs. Its bespoke training programmes have been designed to equip faculty members with the essential skills necessary to effectively translate their research into tangible policy impact. A wide array of crucial skills will be covered, including understanding the political landscape, effective communication of research, stakeholder engagement, policy advocacy, and much more.

Daniel Laing, Senior Account Director at Tendo Consulting, said:

"We are proud to launch this initiative to support universities to navigate the complex world of policy influencing. By providing tailored, interactive workshops we ensure academics leave not just with theoretical knowledge but practical skills that can immediately be used to engage with Government, Parliament, and the media.”

Carys Davis, founder of The Other Place Public Affairs, said:

“UK universities are producing some of the most relevant, cutting-edge and top-quality research in the world. In recent years, I’ve found tailored training helps build the knowledge, skills and confidence academics need to transform their research into politically astute policy with real-world impact. 

“Our programme will not only benefit researchers, it will support those in Government and Parliament who are serious about developing evidence-based policy, allowing them to more easily draw on the wealth of knowledge our universities have to offer.”

 The Research Policy Impact Centre offers a range of training options, from intensive mentoring for researchers to one-day courses and bitesize sessions tailored for both UK and international participants. The initiative has already seen success stories, including with Lancaster University's Faculty of Health and Medicine, showcasing the effectiveness of the training in empowering researchers to impact government policy.

Professor Nancy Preston, from Lancaster University's Faculty of Health and Medicine, said:

“Understanding how to make real-world impact can be a mystery for academics. The training gave me a much better understanding of how to work with parliament in particular but also the key role the media plays in gaining influence in public debate.”