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Oxford's experience in Policy Engagement

The role of policy makers in shaping society cannot be overstated. However, for policy to be effective, it needs to be grounded in evidence and informed by research. This is where the engagement between researchers and policy makers becomes crucial. Oxford’s researchers and academics have a wealth of experience in engaging with policymakers and contributing to policy impact. Learn about some of their experiences and approaches here.

News, stories, and advice from policy-engaged academics at Oxford

Researchers across the University collaborate with partners in national and local governments, and arms-length bodies; in national parliaments and devolved assemblies; in civil society; in the UK, and around the world, including in international organisations, expanding the range of options open to them, and helping ensure that their decisions reckon with the latest high-quality research.

We learn from our own and others’ experience of engagement, and so have begun to collate some of ours, relating to a range of different research and policy areas. This growing collection includes written and video case studies, as well as lessons learned. Whether you’re a researcher or policymaker, we hope you’ll find these interesting and useful. You can also watch our Researcher Stories video series here. In this series researchers and their policy partners share what they have learned from working together.

For more information, including about the Oxford Policy Engagement Network, which connects more than 850 researchers and professional services staff who share a vision of public policy powered by the world’s best available research evidence and expertise, please contact the Policy Engagement Team.
Library interior

Enabling digital inclusion through public libraries

Impact case study

Dr Kira Allmann and colleagues have worked with public libraries across Oxfordshire to identify barriers to digital inclusion and develop recommendations to help libraries better support digital access and skill development.
Problematic old labels over image of museum interior

Rethinking the ‘Collection Development Policy’ for the Pitt Rivers Museum

Impact case study

Marenka-Thompson-Odlum and colleagues examined the Pitt Rivers’ Collection Development Policy in the light of initiatives to decolonise the museum, gaining insights and recommendations which will inform a policy update.
European Stories logo

Uncovering Europe’s Stories

Impact case study

The Oxford University research project Europe’s Stories, led by Professor Timothy Garton Ash, aims to explore what Europeans really think about Europe, what people’s real experiences of Europe are, and what they want the EU to do by 2030.
infographic highlighting ethnic inequalities in maternal mortality

Driving policy change to prevent maternal deaths

Impact case study

The MBRRACE programme is influencing policy and services to support pregnant women and prevent maternal deaths.
statue showing refugees

Boosting life chances for resettled refugees

Impact case study

Software developed by an international team including Dr Alex Teytelboym from Oxford University is helping to resettle refugees in communities where they are more likely to flourish.
protest march

Operation Condor

Impact case study

An Oxford University research project is helping to achieve justice for victims of transnational human rights abuses.

Cybersecurity, risk and resilience: researchers and lawmakers convene in Oxford to explore critical challenges

It comes as Commonwealth countries seek to promote stability in cyberspace through international co-operation as part of their 2018 Commonwealth Cyber Declaration.

A woman and child in Khayelitsha, Cape Town

Accelerating achievement for Africa’s adolescents

Lucie Cluver, Professor of Child and Family Social Work, leads an £18.5 million research hub aimed at helping 20 million adolescents across Africa to fulfil their potential. Here she talks about her team’s work with adolescents in and outside South Africa, and with the policymakers who shape their lives.
Winter sunset at Lama Temple, Beijing

Shining a light on China's history to build understanding of its future

The ongoing trade war between the USA and China is one of the biggest potential threats to the global economy. With both superpowers imposing billions of pounds' worth of tariffs on each other's goods, it's a bitter conflict – but exemplifies why it's important to build understanding of China, according to Rana Mitter, Professor of the History and Politics of Modern China. Mary Dalrymple, Professor of Syntax, spoke to Rana about how he has informed understanding of China in, and outside, of the country; and established himself as a source of independent expertise to policy makers.
A mass of social media 'thumbs up' icons

From 'disaster' to digital

Iain McLean - So, Helen, can you tell us more about your work relating to policy, at the Turing Institute and beyond?

Researchers with Enggano consultant, Pak Aron (Photo credit: Ken Kahn)

Back from the brink

Katrin Kohl - What motivates you? Why is it important that we should stop languages from disappearing?

Palace of Westminster

Bishops, Brexit and bridge-building: connecting political research and public policy

Calum Miller – What motivates your research, Iain? Why do you study the things you study?

Impact case studies

Reforming the IMF and the World Bank

Impact case study

An Oxford academic has addressed G20 members, Commonwealth heads of government, the European Union and the World Economic Forum at Davos.

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