Events from OPEN
Connecting research with policy can be a daunting task, given the many forms of government and ways to engage. OPEN offers a diverse range of activities throughout the year, including workshops, talks, masterclasses, and networking events. These events offer practical guidance to researchers and policymakers on how to collaborate effectively and bridge the gap between their respective areas of expertise.
Engaging with policymakers is essential for ensuring that research findings are taken into account when making policy decisions. By working together, researchers and policymakers can create evidence-based policies that have a real impact on society.
Researchers and professional services staff from all areas of the University are welcome to take part in OPEN's activities, and increase their confidence for engaging with policymakers and better understand how to bridge the divide between their areas of expertise and work together in effective ways.
New events are being added regularly so Join OPEN or follow OPEN on X (formerly Twitter), Bluesky, and on LinkedIn for updates.
20 May | OPEN Conversation: Connecting Research, Citizens, and Policy: The Citizen Assembly Approach
14:00 - 15:00, Nash Suite, Worcester College.
Using the recent Oxfordshire Citizens’ Assembly on Transport as a case study, Tim Schwanen and Alison Chisholm will discuss how these deliberative forums enable researchers to contribute evidence, methodologies, and insights directly to community-driven policymaking processes.
Researchers, DPhil Students, and Professional Services Staff.
Facilitators
Professor Tim Schwanen, Director of the Transport Studies Unit, Professor of Transport Geography and a Research Fellow at St Anne's College, Oxford
Dr Alison Chisholm, Qualitative Researcher at Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences and a Research Member at Kellogg College, Oxford.
Register here for 'Connecting Research, Citizens, and Policy: The Citizen Assembly Approach'
21 May | Workshop: Bridging the Gap - Policy communication for researchers
10:30 - 14:00, Nash Suite, Worcester College
What works best in communicating with policy professionals? How can researchers enhance their communication skills?
To answer these and other questions, the Policy Engagement Team has designed this workshop to equip researchers with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively communicate evidence to policy professionals.
Over two 90-minute sessions, this half day workshop will cover: Session 1: An in-depth exploration of evidence-based approaches to effective policy communication, drawing from research led by Dr Caroline Wood, supported by the Chartered Institute for Public Relations (CIPR), with a focus on building and leveraging online profiles to enhance research visibility among policy professionals. Session 2: Practical skill development in media relations, crafting expert opinion, and using effective digital tools to engage with policy audiences. This session will include insights from Dr. Daryna Dvornichenko's experience working at the academia-policy interface.
Intended audience
Researchers from all divisions, DPhil Students, and Professional Services Staff.
Facilitators
Rosaleen Cunningham, OPEN Senior Communications Officer
Dr Caroline Wood, Communications Manager (Research and Innovation), Public Affairs Division, University of Oxford
Dr Daryna Dvornichenko, Visiting Research Fellow, Department of Politics and International Relations
Register here for 'Bridging the Gap - Policy communication for researchers workshop'
TBC | Workshop: Stakeholder Mapping for the Medical Sciences Division
Venue, date & times to be confirmed soon
Who do you need to engage with in the policy world to achieve impact? In this workshop, we will help answer this and other questions by equipping Medical Sciences researchers, DPhil students, and professional services staff to identify and map the people and groups who influence or are impacted by their research, when it comes to policy engagement. Using stakeholder analysis frameworks and interactive exercises, participants will learn to identify and categorize their relevant audiences across government agencies and other pertinent policy actors.
Intended audience
Researchers, DPhil Students, and Professional Services Staff from the Medical Sciences Division.
18 June | MPLS Division: Getting Started in Policy Engagement 13:00 - 16:00, St Anne's College.
10:00 - 11:30, Radcliffe Science Library (RSL), Seminar Room
If you are interested in creating connections between academia and policy professionals and sharing your research insights to better inform public policies, this opportunity is for you. This introductory session, tailored to those new to policy engagement, is designed to support MPLS researchers, DPhil students, and professional services staff, in transforming their motivations for impact into a structured understanding of how to engage with the public policy world.Intended audience
Intended audience
Researchers, DPhil Students, and Professional Services Staff from the MPLS division.
TBC | OPEN Networking Day
Venue, date & times to be confirmed soon
Join us for a networking day with Oxford researchers and policy professionals who have collaborated through multiple pathways over the past months, from fellowships to mentoring partnerships.
The day includes brief presentations showcasing successful research-policy collaborations, a networking lunch where you can connect with academics and government professionals, and an engaging panel and Q&A session exploring insights and future opportunities for partnership.
Intended audience
Researchers, DPhil Students, and Professional Services Staff.
To explore more events related to policy and research that are taking place across the University, visit the Research and Public Policy Collection on OxTalks.