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Policy impact academy: Empowering Irish researchers for science-driven policy engagement

Year Awarded

2024

Amount

€59,990

  • Organisation:Institute for Methods Innovation
  • Audience:Policy Makers
  • Format:Capacity Building
  • Location:Online

Project Summary

This project aims to enhance the education and public engagement capacity of the Irish research community across all STEM fields, focusing on the public-policy interface. Participants will learn to navigate the Irish policy environment, present research in policy-relevant terms, employ a responsible and ethical approach and identify impactful intervention points. This nationwide online training programme includes practical tools for creating policy briefs, infographics, and effective presentations.

The programme covers Ireland’s unique policy landscape, as well as EU and global policy impact pathways, through online, interactive sessions led by national (i.e., Katriona O’Sullivan, Maynooth University) and international (Eric Jensen, University of Warwick) experts.

Aligned with the SFI Discover Programme’s objectives, the project seeks to empower EPE professionals and researchers in policy engagement through both live and self-paced training and community building. This project will equip the Irish research community to contribute to policy discussions, advocate for science-informed policymaking in Ireland, and engage civil society and community groups in an inclusive way.

The project shows how STEM addresses societal challenges by linking scientific research to policy processes and outcomes. It showcases diverse career paths within STEM that are relevant to policy engagement. The project promotes equal access to training, leading to broader and more inclusive STEM engagement.

The project builds an interdisciplinary community of practice, enabling participants to exchange ideas and collaborate beyond the training. This network supports professional growth and ongoing contributions to evidence-informed public policy. A robust evaluation plan ensures the project’s effectiveness and continuous improvement.