Making Research Applicable to Policymakers

by Jon Scaccia December 23, 2024

As readers know, we are really into policy, so we’re really happy to share some conference proceedings from a group of researchers we really admire.

The hook is simple: what if policymakers had the tools and resources to turn the latest studies into transformative policies? This dream of evidence-informed decision-making is closer than ever, yet it remains fraught with challenges. What stands in the way of realizing this vision?

The Power of Evidence in Policymaking

At the heart of impactful public policies lies evidence—research findings that can shape decisions, prioritize resources, and improve lives. The March 2024 workshop “From Research to Policy and Back” shed light on the intricate dance between evidence and policy. Scholars, policymakers, and practitioners convened to map the terrain of research utilization in policymaking and chart a path toward more equitable and effective policies.

Over five decades of research on the use of research evidence (URE) highlight its transformative potential. Yet, translating these findings into actionable policies requires addressing systemic barriers, fostering collaboration, and reimagining how evidence fits into decision-making.

What Makes Evidence Stick?

Kim DuMont of the William T. Grant Foundation emphasized three pillars essential for embedding research in policy:

1. Relevance and Credibility: Research must align with policymakers’ goals, be feasible within their frameworks, and resonate with their theories of change.
2. Relational Infrastructure: Trust among stakeholders and active knowledge brokers can bridge gaps between researchers and policymakers.
3. Technical Support: Strong logistical systems ensure that research reaches the right hands at the right time.

The “dusty shelf” problem—unused research sitting idle (of which I am super guilty of)—highlights the need for actionable, user-centered research. Solutions lie in robust infrastructures and relationships that make evidence accessible and relevant.

Case Study: Building Bridges Through Equity

A panel discussion on equitable policymaking underscored the critical role of marginalized communities in shaping research and policy. Dr. Courtnee Melton-Fant shared her experience navigating racialized assumptions in policy spaces, while Dr. Sofia Bahena emphasized the power of community-based organizations in amplifying immigrant voices. These stories illustrate how centering equity can turn research into a tool for justice.

Panelists also addressed institutional barriers that stifle diversity in research. Scholars of color often face a “minority tax,” juggling academic expectations with advocacy, leaving little time to influence policy. Addressing these inequities is essential for a truly representative evidence ecosystem.

Practical Steps to Institutionalize Evidence Use

The workshop highlighted several strategies for integrating research into policymaking:

• Knowledge Brokers: These intermediaries translate complex research into digestible insights for policymakers.
• System Integration: Institutionalizing research use involves creating structures where evidence becomes routine.
• Community Engagement: Policymakers must co-create solutions with communities to ensure policies are relevant and equitable.

One standout example is the Evidence-Informed Policy Network (EVIPNet), which fosters knowledge translation across 50 countries. EVIPNet’s approach—combining push (dissemination), pull (user demand), and system integration—offers a blueprint for embedding evidence in health policies globally.

The Challenges Ahead

While progress is evident, significant barriers remain. Many policymakers lack the resources to access and interpret research. Organizational silos and systemic biases further hinder evidence use. Moreover, the absence of standardized measures complicates efforts to evaluate the impact of evidence on policy outcomes.

Participants in the workshop proposed solutions such as competency-based training for policymakers, creating collaborative networks, and refining methods for measuring evidence use and its outcomes.

What’s Next for Research Utilization?

Advancing URE requires a dual focus on innovation and equity:

• Broadening Perspectives: Incorporate diverse disciplines like design and technology to enhance research applicability.
• Centering Equity: Ensure that marginalized voices are prioritized in both research and policy processes.
• Developing Tools: Create user-friendly platforms for tracking and evaluating research use, like AI-powered decision-support tools.

As Max Crowley of Pennsylvania State University noted, scaling successful models, such as rapid-response networks, is key to making evidence-informed policymaking the norm rather than the exception.

Join the Conversation

How do you think research can better serve public policy? What challenges have you faced in bridging research and practice in your work or community? Share your thoughts below or on social media using #PolicyWithEvidence.

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