Translating Research for Policy Makers
Research has the potential to drive transformative change, but its impact is limited unless it reaches those who can use it to shape decisions — policymakers. Bridging the gap between research and policy is both an art and a science, requiring clear communication, strategic timing, and an understanding of the policymaking process.
Why Research Often Fails to Influence Policy
Despite the vast amount of research produced globally, only a fraction directly informs policy decisions. This gap exists for several reasons:
Complexity: Research findings are often dense and filled with technical language.
Relevance: Not all research is aligned with current policy priorities.
Timing: Research may be published too late to influence decisions.
Access: Policymakers may not be aware of relevant research.
Strategies for Effectively Translating Research
Know Your Audience: Understand who the decision-makers are, their priorities, and their level of understanding of the topic.
Practical Tip: Map out key stakeholders and identify who has decision-making power. A stakeholder matrix is a helpful tool for this.
Simplify Your Message: Use clear, non-technical language. Summarise key findings in one or two sentences that anyone can understand.
Example: Instead of saying, "Our study found a statistically significant correlation between air pollution and cardiovascular disease," say, "Reducing air pollution can prevent heart disease and save lives."
Use Policy Briefs: Develop concise, well-designed policy briefs that outline the problem, key findings, and actionable recommendations.
Practical Tip: Use bullet points, visuals, and a clear layout to make your brief easy to read. Use an inverted pyramid structure - start with the most important point first.
Leverage Relationships: Build networks with policymakers, advisors, and stakeholders who can champion your findings.
Example: Attend relevant conferences or policy forums to connect with policymakers.
Be Timely: Align your research dissemination with policy cycles, such as budget planning, new strategy developments, or global events.
Practical Tip: Maintain a calendar of key dates in the policy field you are targeting. Set a reminder in your calendar to check open policy submissions each month.
Provide Clear Recommendations: Policymakers need actionable insights. Avoid vague suggestions and focus on specific, evidence-based actions they can take.
Example: Instead of saying, "Improve public health," say, "Implement a smoking ban in public spaces to reduce respiratory illnesses."
Engage in Two-Way Communication: Be open to questions, feedback, and discussions. Translation is an ongoing process.
Practical Tip: Host webinars or Q&A sessions for policymakers to discuss your findings.
Focus on Solutions, Not Methods: Policymakers want to know what to do, not the technical details of how the research was conducted. Keep explanations of methods brief and emphasize practical, actionable recommendations
Practical Tip: When writing or presenting, prioritize communicating your results, the implications for policy or practice, and clear, actionable solutions.
Engaging Through Parliamentary Submissions
One impactful way to ensure your research informs policy is by contributing to parliamentary submissions. Parliamentary committees often seek expert evidence when reviewing new laws or policies. By preparing well-researched, clear, and concise submissions, you can directly influence legislative outcomes and policy decisions.
Practical Tips:
Keep an eye on parliamentary inquiry calls and deadlines related to your research area.
These can be found here:
Follow submission guidelines carefully — clarity and brevity are crucial.
Highlight key evidence and actionable recommendations.
Consider collaborating with organisations or networks to strengthen your submission.
Formats for Research Translation
Policy Briefs: One to two-page documents that clearly outline the problem, findings, and recommendations.
Infographics: Visual summaries that make complex data easier to understand.
Presentations: Tailored talks for policymakers or advisory groups. If you aren’t sure who you should be engaging with, t
Media Articles: Writing for mainstream media can increase visibility among a broader audience.
Useful Resources
The UQ Centre for Policy Futures Policy has policy brief examples - here
The Centre for Health in All Policies Research Translation has good resources. Here are a few favourites:
Research to Action - here
You can track your research to policy impact through Sage Policy Profiles and PlumX Metrics
Final Thoughts
Translating research for policymakers is not just about sharing findings; it’s about ensuring those findings are understood, trusted, and acted upon. By mastering this skill, you can amplify the impact of your work and help drive positive change in public policy..
