Science4Policy: From Research to Policy Impact
A research report that stays on the shelf is a missed opportunity. Your insights and data can make a real difference to policy.
But how do you connect with policymakers? How do you ensure your message resonates? And what makes collaboration between science and policy truly effective?
In this practical workshop, you’ll learn the do’s and don’ts of impactful policy engagement. We combine scientific insights, real-world examples, and hands-on tips you can apply immediately.
We’ve delivered this workshop to both early-career and experienced researchers at institutions such as KU Leuven, ILVO, the Centre for Environmental Sciences, and the Flemish Government.
After this workshop, you will be able to…
1. 👀 GET READ – make sure policymakers notice, understand, and remember your research
You will learn:
- why policymakers sometimes don’t read your emails, reports, or policy briefs – even when the content is strong;
- how to communicate in layers: from one clear key message, to a short pitch or one-pager, to the full report;
- what a good policy brief or note looks like from a policymaker’s perspective.
2. ✅ GET IMPLEMENTED – make sure something happens with your recommendations
You will learn:
- what really matters to your policy audience (ministries, agencies, NGOs…) and how to understand their agenda;
- how to define a realistic impact goal for yourself;
- how to start from one sharp core message and translate it into meetings, notes, hearings, or advisory documents.
3. 🤝 GET INVOLVED – take up your role in the policy arena
You will learn:
- which role you as a researcher can take in the policy arena, and which role fits you and your organisation best;
- how to deal with political sensitivities, selective use of evidence, and tensions between science and policy;
- how to build long-term relationships with policymakers.
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Practical Information
For Whom
This workshop is designed for researchers, research managers or practitioners who aim to increase the societal impact of their work by engaging effectively with policymakers. It is suitable for all disciplines and career stages.
Number of Participants
Limited to a maximum of 12 participants to ensure personal interaction and individual feedback.
Language
English or Dutch.
Venue and Timing
The workshop can be organised on-site, online, or in a hybrid format.
Our suggestion: a full-day workshop, followed by a try-out session a few weeks later to put everything into action.
Prefer something shorter? We can also design the trajectory as several half-day sessions.
Contact Us
Do you have a question or would you like a no-obligation quote? Please use the form on this webpage to contact us.
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Approach
This workshop is:
Customized
We tailor the content to the needs and context of your participants.Interactive and practical
No endless theory, just clear advice, useful tools, and relatable examples. Participants are actively involved and apply the tips right away.
We also demonstrate how AI can help map the policy landscape and communicate effectively with policymakers.Evidence-based
Built on scientific insights and interviews with experts from both government and academia.Developed in collaboration with the Department of Economy, Science and Innovation of the Flemish Government
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Instructor
Hans Van de Water founded The Floor is Yours and holds a master’s degree in Political Science (Antwerp/Strasbourg). He has trained thousands of scientists and professionals in communicating research clearly and convincingly, from Finland to South Africa. Hans attended the trainer course ‘Evidence for policy’ of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission.
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About The Floor is Yours
Science has the power to make the world a better place. But that only works if researchers succeed in communicating their science with clarity and impact. That’s why, since 2012, we have been offering trainings such as Presenting with Impact, Scientific Posters, and Science4Policy.
We are the regular training partner for, among others, the Nerdland Festival, the Flemish PhD Cup, and VIB Scientists on Stage.
What do the participants think?
Also discover our other workshops
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Presenting with impact
In this workshop, participants will learn to present their complex message in a clear and appealing manner. Our focus is on content, performance, and slides.