Engaging with policy makers

Research often identifies problems and proposes solutions – and these often require action from governments in order to have real-world impact. Yet to researchers’ great frustration, policies are often based on emotions and politics rather than evidence. This workshop, by Critical Narratives, will equip participants with the tools and skills to efficiently find their way through the world of government, politics and advocacy, and to influence those who make the decisions in their field of expertise.

Programme:

• introduction to policy making processes
• determining who the responsible policy makers are
• understanding networks and influence
• ways of influencing policy makers directly and indirectly
• top tips for approaching policy makers
• series of activities to create a draft plan to engage with policy makers

Learning outcomes

By the end of this workshop, participants ...

• can identify where their research fits into the policy process,
• can determine which policy and decision makers to target
• can identify a network of allies,
• can select the right approach and communication methods,
• can set realistic goals, priorities and expectations,
• can create a draft plan for engaging with the relevant policy makers.

Competences

An important part of preparing for any further professional step is becoming (more) aware of the competences you have developed and/or want to develop. In the current workshop, the following competences from the UHasselt competency overview are actively dealt with:

• academic research competences:
  • valorisation
• interpersonal competences:
  • interdisciplinary collaboration
  • networking
  • persuasion
  • stakeholder awareness
• personal effectiveness:
  • perseverance
    
    

For whom?

• PhD students & postdocs who want to reach policy makers
• 15 places available

When and where?

• December 10, 2024 - 13:00-16:00
• room: campus Hasselt - yellow room (OG- D.1.1)

Registration?

• You can register from here from September 12, 2024 until November 11, 2024 .
• As places are limited, registering does not automatically imply that you will be able to participate. You will be notified by email in due time.
• Please cancel your registration at least one week in advance in case you cannot make it (cf. cancellation & no-show policy).

Acknowledged as?

• DS BSH: category 'IP, valorisation & science communication' - workshop on valorisation
• DS HLS: category 'transferable skills' - half of a transferable skills course
• DS ST: category 'IP & valorisation' - info session/course about valorization or innovation