Environment researchers learn to make a difference on a new course

Early-career researchers are learning how to influence policy through research, in a new course at Imperial College London.

‘Research making a difference’ is a new training programme, run by the Grantham Institute on Climate Change and the Environment and the Grantham Centre for sustainable futures, and funded by the Natural Environment Research Council.

The course began last week with 15 participants from five top UK universities. During the course, the cohort will learn how to collate evidence and present it to those outside academia; and how different styles of analysis, and use of outputs, can be used to influence different groups.

Throughout the day the group heard from policymakers and media officers about their priorities and perspectives, and the different ways in which they engage with scientific evidence. Experienced climate change and environmental researchers also spoke about their methods for sharing evidence outside of academia and what they have found works well. Throughout the two-day course, the cohort had opportunities to break-away into smaller groups to explore ideas further with the expert presenters.

Victoria Boult, a PhD student from the University of Reading who attended the course, said: “It’s been interesting to discover the breadth of organisations that are interested in environmental research, and also to gain insights into how those organisations use the evidence we provide them with.”

“It was also useful to learn about the different formats that can be used to present evidence, it’s clear that not everyone uses scientific journals so tailoring the message to the audience is key.”

Policy informed by research has the ability to make a difference to society and the economy by enhancing the quality of life for people around the world and improving the productivity of businesses. For complex issues, such as climate change and when humans interact with the environment, leaders and researchers must work closely to share knowledge, however, with a vast amount of information of varying quality, this can be a challenge for both researchers and policymakers alike.

“The interface between government and research is vital for effective evidence-informed policymaking,” said Dave Stone, Chief Scientist at Natural England and one of the presenters for the course. “Yet there is not enough flow between the two sides."

“Breaking down barriers and starting conversations at an early stage can improve the application of the research within the policymaking process.” he continued.

The cohort will meet again in January 2018 at the Grantham Centre in Sheffield. During the next module, parliamentary clerks will provide insights into how parliament works and how to present evidence to parliamentary select committees.

What people are saying about this course

Alyssa Gilbert, Director of Policy and Translation at the Grantham Institute at Imperial College London

“I was delighted to see the level of engagement between the researchers and the stakeholders, who make use of scientific evidence in their daily work. The room was buzzing with conversation and peppered with numerous ‘aha’ moments!”

Dr Jem Woods, Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Environmental Policy at Imperial College London

“Scientists and researchers need to find out the needs of policy makers and then develop the tools that can help them in the future. This kind of event helps to set the scene for carrying out that kind of science-to-policy translation research and it can really help young people to develop the skills needed to engage with policy makers and audiences outside of academia.”

“If science isn’t relevant for society then it has got lost somewhere on the way”

Caroline Verfuerth, PhD student at the University of Sheffield

“Not every PhD student will stay in academia, and this has provided me with a starting point to develop the skills needed to go into policy or research engagement activities as well as a peek into many different areas.”

Ben Thomas, PhD student at the University of Reading

“This training has already acted as an eye opener for me. In a discussion on the first day about the press my preconceived ideas about their coverage of science were challenged; we were shown examples of good press coverage and discussed how proactive communication and engagement can help facilitate that.”