Toolkit by the Government Office for Science (United Kingdom): “Academic engagement refers to a wide range of activities between government and academia that enable the use of research, evidence or expertise to support better decision making. You can engage directly with academics or through a third-party knowledge mobiliser – an organisation or individual that helps connect research and policy (see section 2 for more).
Outside the Civil Service, academic engagement is usually called “policy engagement”. Whatever term is used, there are many ways to work with academics. Below are a few examples, and more can be found in section 4:
- formal scientific advisory systems, such as Chief Scientific Advisers and Scientific Advisory Councils
- speaking to individual experts for direct advice, including in-depth interviews
- inviting researchers to a workshop or roundtable
- supporting or commissioning academic research
- hosting secondees.
There are many benefits to engaging with academics, but there are also important considerations – including the need for time, resources and knowledge to manage the engagement well. This toolkit supports you to navigate these considerations, starting with key principles for effective engagement…(More)”.
