Policymakers are motivated to collaborate with researchers for various reasons, such as efficiency, targeted solutions, and assessing the feasibility and acceptability of policy options. Different roles within the policy sphere, such as ministers, evidence analysts, and policy officials, have distinct motivations for engaging with research, creating opportunities for researchers to influence policy by addressing these diverse needs and priorities.
Interview with Robert McMorran
In the next video, Robert McMorran, a social researcher with the Scottish Government, shares his perspective on why policy professionals engage with researchers and the benefits of such collaborations. He explains the various motivations behind these interactions, ranging from increasing general awareness about specific policy areas to seeking specific findings that contribute directly to policy development. McMorran highlights the importance of ongoing collaboration between policy makers and researchers to stay informed and make evidence-based decisions.
Collaboration between researchers and policymakers is essential for developing effective and responsive policies. This collaborative spirit is exemplified in initiatives like the Research and Innovation in our Dynamic Environment (RIDE) Forum, the Five Agencies ShARE programme and the Irish National Environmental Research Coordination Group, which foster cooperation among environmental research funders and agencies.
Interview with Peter Singleton
In the next interview, Peter Singleton from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) discusses these programmes and highlights successful policy engagement efforts, such as the rapid development of a wastewater testing programme for COVID-19 during the pandemic. This example underscores the importance of effective communication and collaboration in addressing urgent environmental challenges.