What is a policy brief?
A policy brief is a concise, accessible document that translates research into practical insights for policymakers. It typically presents a specific societal issue, outlines relevant research evidence, and highlights the resulting policy implications.
Below are some examples from UCD researchers.
Additional policy briefs can be found on (opens in a new window)publicpolicy.ie, an online platform hosted by the UCD Geary Institute for Public Policy that disseminates policy-related research to inform debate. NexSys, an all-island multidisciplinary energy research programme hosted by the UCD Energy Institute, also produces (opens in a new window)non-technical policy papers and briefs.
Why write one?
As a researcher, writing a policy brief can be an effective way of sharing your research with a wider audience. It’s also a useful exercise for identifying and articulating your key messages. But remember: the document is rarely the end goal. Don’t let your policy brief sit unread; proactively share it with your policy audience, and use it to start a dialogue. This will give your research the best chance of having real policy impact in the long-run.
Tips for writing a policy brief
If you’re planning on pulling together a policy brief, read our general advice on writing for a policy audience, then follow these tips:
Keep it brief (it’s in the name)
Most people won't read a 10-page document. 2-3 pages (max. 1200 words) should be more than enough for any research project, no matter how complicated it is. Similarly, use short, digestible paragraphs of no more than 100 words.
Put key information up front
Summarise the issue, the research and the policy implications in the first 150 words. This may be all people read.
Grab people’s attention
Lead with a striking statistic or finding, and make sure the title succinctly communicates the importance of this research. Hammer home why this issue matters. And make it easy to digest at a glance by using pull-out boxes, numbered recommendations, and clear section headings.
Make it actionable
Create clear, actionable implications or recommendations, tailored to your audience. Ask yourself: What decisions do these people make, and how can my research inform them?
Time it right
Align with policy windows: legislative sessions, budgets, speeches, conferences, changes in leadership, or when your topic is in the news. A well-timed brief can ride the wave of existing policy attention.
Use plain English
Avoid academic jargon and acronyms unless absolutely necessary (and then ensure they’re clearly defined when first used).
Make it visually appealing
When it comes to enticing people to read a policy brief, the layout is often just as important as the content. So use subheadings, ensure there’s sufficient white space around the text, include relevant images, develop a coherent colour palette, and use standard, easy-to-read fonts. If you include images or graphs, ensure they are relevant, hi-resolution, and easy to digest at a glance.
Follow a clear structure
Such as:
- Summary [150 words] – Why this matters, what the research found, and what that means for policymakers.
- Background [200 words] – A description of the issue and the evidence gaps
- Research overview [200 words] – What did the research try to achieve, and how?
- Research findings [200 words] – A high-level overview of the most relevant findings.
- Policy implications [250 words] – Clear, actionable implications of the research, tailored to the policy audience.
- References [100 words] – Only include the most relevant links, for further reading.
- Contact details – Add your email so that policymakers can get in touch with any questions.
Keep the momentum going
Think of your policy brief as the start of a conversation, not the end product. Send it directly to your contacts in the policy world and ask for a meeting, share via it policy networks, promote it on social media (tagging relevant policy actors), and consider pairing it with an infographic or short explainer video.