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Module 1: From Research to Policy

The From Research to Policy module provides an introduction to policy and explores how research can influence the policy process. Participants consider the policy context they wish to influence, explore different types of barriers to informing policy, and apply a model of policy change that can be influenced by research. This module introduces a framework for policy change that forms the foundation for many subsequent sessions in the curriculum.

At the conclusion of this module, participants will be able to:

  1. Identify policies and policy stakeholders at multiple levels (such as community, institutional, sub-national, and national).
  2. Identify information needed to understand the policy landscape for a specific issue.
  3. Identify three or more barriers to research informing policy.
  4. Describe the Windows of Opportunity policy change framework.
  5. Identify three strategies that researchers can use to create a window of opportunity for policy change.

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Components

Understanding the Policy Landscape (RP1L)

Time: 40 min.

An introduction to policy and exploration of how participants can begin to identify the context of their particular topic, what policies exist, and what policy actions are needed.

Components

Presentation

Facilitator Guide

Policy Landscape Worksheet (RP2E)

Time: 30 min. or homework

Following the Understanding the Policy Landscape presentation, participants will apply the concepts through a worksheet outlining what they know about the policy landscape in their own settings and what information is needed to understand the landscape more fully.

Components

Worksheet

Facilitator Guide

The Research-to-Policy Gap (RP3L)

Time: 1 hr 15 min.

This presentation illustrates the gap that exists between research and policy, explains different reasons for the gap, and identifies some approaches that can help bridge the gap.

Components

Presentation

Facilitator Guide

Required Preparation

Oliver et al., 2014

Hardee and Wright, 2015

Fundamentals of the Policy Process (RP4L)

Time: 45 min.

This presentation introduces a framework for policy change that identifies how research and policy communication can information policy changes. The framework includes three key strategies that researchers can use to influence the process.

Components

Presentation

Facilitator Guide

Required Preparation

Shiffman and Sultana, 2013

Generating Political Priority (RP5E)

Time: 1 hr.

In this small group exercise, participants apply the framework introduced in the Fundamentals of the Policy Process presentation to a case study of policy change.

Components

Small Group Exercise

Facilitator Guide

Required Preparation

Shiffman and Sultana, 2013

Supplemental Activities

Working Group Session 1 (RPS1G)

Time: 1 hr.

In this first Working Group session, participants discuss their areas of research or advocacy. This session is particularly valuable to participants who will be working with results of complex research studies, and provides an opportunity for them to share their research objectives, methods, and results before moving on to the policy messages of that research.

Components

Worksheet

Facilitator Guide

Links Between Research and Policy (RPS2D)

Time: Varies

This session provides an opportunity to hear from an expert policy advocate or policy audience about what messages are most effective. Participants always enjoy hearing “real life” stories about communicating research to policymakers.

Components

Facilitator Guide

Policy Visit/s (RPS3F)

Time: Varies

Similar to session RPS2D, this session offers the chance to visit a policy organization and meet with multiple researchers or policymakers.

Components

Facilitator Guide