'Bridging the Gap between Science and Policy'
Author: Dorothy Stewart
Organisation: Environmental Protection Agency
Initiative Description
EPA-Impact: Knowledge Transfer to ‘Bridge the Gap’ between Science and Policy
Background/Rationale
EPA-funded environmental research provides essential scientific support for environmental policy development, implementation & broader decision making. Since 1994, the EPA has funded research that increased national understanding of our environment, the challenges it faces & responses to these. It facilitates high-quality research capacity & has supported innovation that is internationally respected.
The knowledge transfer landscape is evolving & growing in importance, both nationally & internationally. Ireland’s R&I strategy, Impact 2030 focuses on building stronger connections between the R&I community & policymaking systems, improving the accessibility & uptake of publicly funded research by policymakers.
Aims/Purpose, Methods/Activities
EPA Research 2030 aims to facilitate engaged & targeted knowledge transfer activities with researchers to maximize the uptake of EPA-funded research outputs by policymakers.
To advance knowledge transfer in a targeted & systematic way, the 'EPA-IMPACT' four-year project commenced in 2021 & is supported by ERINN Innovation Ltd. The programme now has an increased focus on knowledge transfer activities throughout the lifecycle of funded projects & is underpinned by three phases developed by ERINN.
1. Collection phase: Identifying & collecting knowledge outputs/evidence from EPA-funded research projects.
2. Analysis phase: Reviewing knowledge outputs/evidence aligned with policy priorities & engaging collaboratively to connect policy actors with the research community.
3. Transfer phase: Designing/developing policy ‘Pathways to Impact’ informed by EPA funded research knowledge outputs.
Results and Conclusions
Pathways to impact have been developed to date & development ongoing across the thematic areas of Climate, Nature, Health and Circular Economy.