AHRC Workshop, 12 July 2013, University of Birmingham

1. Combining the strengths of UMIST and
The Victoria University of Manchester
From the Academy to Policy-Making: Building
Effective Partnerships
Different Partnerships: Accident and Design
Margot Brazier and Hugh Whittall

2. Combining the strengths of UMIST and
The Victoria University of Manchester
Academic Research and Policy Making
1. Policy makers doing their own research discover papers and research
reports that help them develop and formulate proposals.
2. Policy makers expressly commission research/consultancy. In many
jurisdictions the courts may invite expert academic evidence and more
actively seek out the fruits of research.
3. Policy makers invite individual academics to chair or be a member of a
body set up to consider some aspect of government.
4. Independent organisations such as the Nuffield Council of Bioethics
involve academics in their own review of policy.
5. Academics deliberately seek formal partnerships with policy makers in
designing a research project. We initiate and not simply respond.

3. Combining the strengths of UMIST and
The Victoria University of Manchester
REF Impact
2 major problems
• In this sort of engagement you are likely to be invited to take
up this role as much for your skills at chairing or dealing with
people as your research.
• Proof of impact can be tricky particularly where the academic
or academics have been one of a number of stake holders.