About the Policy Interface
Why connect research and policy?
The need for evidence-informed policymaking has never been more striking.
We face a host of complex global challenges – like climate breakdown, pandemics, cost of living crises, energy poverty, ageing populations, obesity, and food security – none of which can be meaningfully addressed without insights from academic research.
But it’s not only these towering global issues that benefit from evidence. Academic findings can improve the design, implementation and evaluation of policies in all areas, from taxation to education, and at all levels, whether local, regional, national or international.
Unfortunately, this doesn’t happen by magic. We need infrastructure and mechanisms to facilitate the routine movement of people, expertise, data, and results between the worlds of research and policy.
To that end, Ireland is experiencing rapidly increasing demand for initiatives that enable evidence-informed policymaking; that can help academic and policy communities to better understand one another, can foster constructive partnerships, and can ensure the right evidence gets to the right decision-makers at the right time.
How does the UCD Policy Interface fit in?
The Policy Interface is one such initiative. It is a direct response to the UCD strategy to 2030, which states that [take line when published].
Through online resources, collaborative events, training sessions, exchange programmes, and other activities, UCD’s new support, the first of its kind in an Irish university, will help you to navigate the murky waters where research and policy meet.
So join our network, explore policy-engagement tools and resources from UCD and beyond, and take a look at opportunities to develop your policy-engagement skills and connect with your policy audience.
Who has oversight of the Interface?
Our Steering Group – with representatives from across UCD and the local, national and international policy sectors – is responsible for setting the strategy and assessing the effectiveness of the Interface. Members of the Steering Group are:
- [List members when established]
How is the Interface funded?
UCD would like to thank the HEA for funding this initiative.