Engaging with academics: how research can strengthen open policy-making
4 June 2013
UCL Public Policy and UCL Grand Challenges are cited as best-practice examples of engagement between academics and policymakers in a publication by the Government Office for Science.
The publication is designed
to support government departments in effectively engaging with academics to
strengthen policy and practice. The publication forms part of the Civil Service
Reform Plan's commitment to open policy-making and integrating external expert
advice to the policy development process.
A range of UCL initiatives were cited as innovative and effective means of strengthening links between research and government. UCL Public Policy secondments enable academics to gain experience of the policy-making process and how they can present their work to policymakers.
The publication also highlights the UCL Grand Challenges as an innovative collaboration opportunity for researchers working in different disciplines. Involving the wider community in research is key to the success of the Grand Challenges, from businesses and governments to people living in developing countries. By strengthening the connection between policy and research, academics can share their expertise with people working in government to increase the impact of their work.
Engaging with Academics is available to download free from the Government Office for Science.