Policy in research
Policy in research determines the boundaries and scope for researchers to work within
- What is policy in research?
- Why is policy in research important?
- How can you improve your knowledge of policy?
What is the relevance of policy to research?
Policy provides the necessary limits and expectations for researchers to work within.
As a researcher, you have the power to campaign for better policies that can enhance the working lives of all researchers.
What is policy in research?
- Policy is important to researchers for the requirements, constraints and potential benefits it imposes.
- ‘Policy’ here is defined by the set of principles or course of action adopted by organisations, whether this be at department level or national level.
- A policy is a means for an organisation to set boundaries on their intentions, to map out their aims, and how they intend to achieve these aims. This gives a structure for activities to unfold within but allows for change if required.
Why is policy in research important?
- For progress to happen, a set of rules and guiding principles need to be created otherwise there would be no logical structure upon which people should act.
- Policy informs behaviour – the aims set and the methods to realise these aims create the intended behaviour.
- With an agreed policy, chaos can be averted, and resources can be used effectively and efficiently.
How can you improve your knowledge of policy?
Familiarise yourself with policy
find out about your local policy, the accepted procedures, and also how these have become established, and how they could change. You can ask your supervisor or researcher training team to provide guidance on local policy or how the institution works. The internet has reliable sources for government policy concerning postgraduate education. Also read about the policy of research funders in your discipline. Policy is evolving all the time, so ensure you can schedule in time to keep up to date.
Engage in dialogue with policy makers
research too can influence policy, so aim to find out more about this. Aim to engage in dialogue with policy makers, and with the public affected by the policy. Evaluate all policies effectively and critically. Keep an eye out for and be prepared to react to opportunities and policy windows.
Build networks and hone your communication skills
you may have more impact on policy by engaging with research that evaluates policy outcomes or provides evidence from which policy is derived. To influence policy makers, your communication skills need to be honed in order to persuade and influence. Integrate these policy makers into your network, or those who have influence over them. Invite junior researchers to participate as an opportunity to share knowledge.
Offer advice on policies
guide those around you on policies as you become more of an expert; seek opportunities to influence policy yourself by extending the impact of your research. Aim to engage directly with key policy makers and even join them if you believe that will progress your cause.
Final takeaways
- A policy is a means for an organisation to set boundaries on their intentions, to map out their aims, and how they intend to achieve these aims. This gives a structure for activities to unfold within but allows for change if required.
- Familiarise yourself with policy – find out about your local policy, the accepted procedures, and also how these have become established, and how they could change. You can ask your supervisor or researcher training team to provide guidance on local policy or how the institution works.
- Build networks and hone your communication skills – you may have more impact on policy by engaging with research that evaluates policy outcomes or provides evidence from which policy is derived. To influence policy makers, your communication skills need to be honed in order to persuade and influence.