Science for Policy: From Research to Policy Impact

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Advising governments on science is essential. Whether it’s tackling public health, advancing AI, or combating climate change. But how do you bring your insights to the political arena? “We need to train researchers for that,” according to Nature.

We summarised the key insights of the article for you and shared some concrete tips from our Science4Policy training.

In its editorial, Nature calls for training researchers in policy advice.

Why Science for Policy Matters Now

We live in turbulent times of military threats, pandemics and technological revolutions. As Nature highlights, “To address these issues effectively, governments need knowledge from research.”

Yet researchers struggle to get their knowledge to the right policymakers. Why?

  • Disinformation drowns out scientific facts, reducing them to the same level as personal opinions.
  • Policymakers are not always receptive to scientific knowledge.
  • The gap between science and policy feels wide.

Do you recognise that? Then you are not alone.

Two Worlds, One Mission

Why does there seem to be a gap between science and policy? Because the rules of the game are different. As a researcher, you want to be able to publish, while policymakers depend on public support. That can create tension when you work together.

Yet you need each other. In the long run, scientific knowledge leads to stronger, more effective policy. And vice versa, public policy can be a strong stimulus for scientific innovation.

According to Nature, knowing and understanding each other’s world better is crucial: “A core attribute for science advisers is a good grasp of: how governments and their departments work; the goals and deadlines of policymakers; and how evidence can be appropriately added to the mix.”

Researchers map the gap between science & policy at the Science4Policy training course.

Take the first step

Curious about your policy support skills?

Smart4Policy is a free online self-reflection tool developed by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre. The tool shows you what your strengths are and where you can still improve.

Do you prefer to work together with your research group?

Then, our Science4Policy training gives you tools to get your research on the radar of policymakers.

You will learn:

  • How to speak the language of policymakers.
  • How to translate your insights into concrete actions.
  • How to build collaborations that make a difference.

Because often researchers give up too soon. Like workshop participant Anke: “I doubt whether anything really happens with my advice and whether my message has got across.”

So, time to take a different approach. And to listen to the advice of policymakers, like Wim, who works for the Flemish government:
“Sometimes it’s better to hold off on turning your research into a 400-page report. Start by discussing what the client really needs.”

So, have you ever thought, “My research could mean so much, but no one listens“? Then this training is for you.

Participants like Lancelot Blondeel (researcher at ILVO) are already seeing immediate results:
“This is the best training I have taken in the last 10 years! I can really get started with this.”

Interested? Visit the training website to learn more or get in touch with us!

Source: Nature editorial, 4 December 2024: ‘Advising governments about science is essential but difficult. So train people to do it.’