WT Improving the uptake of research into policy course

A new course is being launched by the Wellcome Trust (WT) in collaboration with the Parliamentary Office for Science and Technology.

This new course on Uptake of Research into Policy will bring policy makers and academic researchers together to help break down these barriers, encourage mutual understanding, and ultimately enable improved evidence-based policy making. It will provide early career researchers (PhD students, post-doctoral fellows and early career faculty) with an introduction to UK policymaking, show them how to engage with policy makers, either through their research or by moving into a career in science policy. The ultimate aim of this course is to build a community of policy-engaged researchers and research-engaged policy makers.

Learning outcomes
After attending this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe and contrast the basic structure of Parliament and Government
• Follow the legislative process and identify the key moments for influence
• Identify and use the different channels through which evidence can inform policy
• Describe how learned societies and Academies can channel the voice of researchers
• Tailor evidence to suit the needs of different types of policy makers
• Adapt your own research plans to maximise the impact on policy
• Connect with policy-makers and researchers who are seeking to influence policy

Confirmed speakers include MPs Heidi Allen and Vicky Ford, Becky Purvis from the Royal Society, and Ed Whiting from the Wellcome Trust.