Up Close and Policy: Ministry of Justice and Academic Partnerships

About this seminar

This hub aims to enhance MoJ’s strategic research capabilities by collaborating with academic experts, research networks, and research funders, to address their evidence priorities. He leads on fostering collaborations with researchers to facilitate the exchange of evidence and expertise, with a specific interest in the application of transdisciplinary research methods to evidence-based policy and practice. Ben will be talking about the different methods for mapping evidence across the justice system and the tools for creating better collaboration between academia and MOJ.

The session will be chaired by Keri Wong, Associate Professor of Developmental Psychology and co-Director of the UCL’s Centre for Education in Criminal Justice System. Keri wil bring will bring her rich experience of public policy engagement, drawing on her role as UKRI policy fellow working with Home Office within the Criminal Justice System Strategy Analysis Team.

About the series

How are policy decisions made and who informs them? In a landscape marked by diverse information and competing concerns, where does academic research find its place in the complex realm of policy-making? How can researchers and policymakers collaboratively address some of the most pressing challenges?

UCL Public Policy brings you a new series of Up Close and Policy, providing insight into the way the research community informs policy-making. You will hear from UCL researchers who have worked with UK policymakers in various capacities, ranging from Policy Fellows within government departments, to serving as Chief Scientific Advisors. These experts will share their firsthand experiences, detailing the dynamics of navigating diverse cultural landscapes to produce more evidence-informed policies.

The series explores questions about the requisite skills and expertise, the benefits accruing to UCL, individuals, and host institutions, and the tangible real-world changes achievable through policy engagement. The series delves into these inquiries and unravel the intricate connections between academic research and the policymaking process.

We welcome UCL researchers, professional services and policy actors working in government and third-party groups. The series will be available online on Teams.

For more information about the event or registration, please contact Alice Tofts, alice.tofts@ucl.ac.uk

About the speakers

• Dr Keri Wong: The session will be chaired by Keri Wong, Associate Professor of Developmental Psychology and co-Director of the UCL’s Centre for Education in Criminal Justice System. Keri wil bring will bring her rich experience of public policy engagement, drawing on her role as UKRI policy fellow working with Home Office within the Criminal Justice System Strategy Analysis Team.