Policymakers are usually confronted with a vast amount of information. However, they need scientific evidence to develop effective policies and address today’s complex problems. So, how can you ensure your messages stand out and are heard?
Regardless of how you communicate your research - through policy briefs, reports, presentations or events - there are clear steps you can take to effectively inform policymakers of your findings and maximise your impact:
- Know how research relates to societal challenges. Make sure you are aware of how your work relates to other research, stakeholder views, as well as public discussions in relation to a specific policy problem. This can help you reframe the problems and put forward scientific evidence you believe is important.
- Understand policymaking and how decisions are made. Policymaking is often understood as something that works in “cycles”, which includes agenda-setting, formulation, implementation, and evaluation. Try to follow trends, parliamentary debates, discussions in different forums, and get involved in policy events organised by political parties, think tanks, NGOs, advisory boards etc. This can help you identify when your input can have an impact based on who needs relevant and timely scientific evidence.
- Think how you can help policymakers when you design your research project. Consider adapting parts of your research project in light of the evidence needs of different policy actors. Keeping in mind their agenda and problems they wish to tackle, evaluate how research could offer solutions and the best timing to share evidence.
- Know your audience. Before engaging with policymakers, try to discern their level of knowledge, attitude, interests and concerns on the topic. Are there any potential economic or social impacts at stake? The better you know your audience, the more effectively you can tailor your message.
- Adapt your language. Once you understand your audience, adapt your language to their level of familiarity and expertise on the issue. Avoid sounding overly technical or even arrogant. Simplify without oversimplifying, avoid jargon, negative terms, or ambiguous words. General rule of thumb: your message should be clear and simple.
- Communicate with confidence. Remember, you are the expert! Trust your knowledge and the value of your evidence. Ask yourself: “How does my research address their needs?” and present your findings with clarity and assurance.
- Keep your message simple. Follow the inverted pyramid structure. The most important message comes first: how your findings can solve their problem and address their needs, why your recommendations matter and what their impact will be. Explain why your point is relevant, linking it to the current context. You can complement by filling in with the context, background and methodology.
- Make it visual and relevant. Use a catchy title and introduction. Be concise and use visuals to support your points.
- Build credibility and maintain contacts. You can do so by following parliamentary debates, discussions in different forums, and getting involved in policy events. Use these opportunities to shape your message and demonstrate your expertise. By showcasing your research and its impact, you enhance your visibility and credibility, key factors when engaging with policymakers. Make sure to also keep in contact with policymakers you encounter to build working relationships.
- Invest in acquiring new skills. Communication and interpersonal skills are essential for effectively reaching policymakers, and the good news is that these are skills you can enhance. Look for training courses, workshops or our guidance to sharpen your abilities and boost your confidence in engaging with different audiences.
Learn more by following this training course on how to maximise your policy impact and read 10 tips for researchers on how to achieve impact on policy.
EU-funded projects with policy impact
EJP SOIL supported legislative process of the proposal for the Directive on Soil Monitoring and Resilience, which aims to monitor and improve soil health. The project focuses on climate-smart, sustainable agricultural soil management.
The INIA project has signed a contract with the Council of Europe for consultancy on the preparation of their recommendation on equal rights for intersex people. The project is conducting research and producing evidence to help address societal challenges associated with intersex.