Engaging with academics: how research can strengthen open policy-making

UCL Public Policy and UCL Grand Challenges are cited as best-practice examples of engagement between academics and policymakers in a publication by the Government Office for Science. The publication is designed to support government departments in effectively engaging with academics to strengthen policy and practice. The publication forms part of the Civil Service Reform Plan's commitment to open policy-making and integrating external expert advice to the policy development process. A range of UCL initiatives were cited as innovative and effective means of strengthening links between research and government. UCL Public Policy secondments enable academics to gain experience of the policy-making process and how they can present their work to policymakers. The publication also highlights the UCL Grand Challenges as an innovative collaboration opportunity for researchers working in different disciplines. Involving the wider community in research is key to the success of the Grand Challenges, from businesses and governments to people living in developing countries.