Science Policy: Improving the Uptake of Research into UK Policy

Although science and research are a cornerstone of the economy and a strategic government priority, many researchers have little experience of engaging with policymakers. The relationship between the civil service, government and parliament, and their respective functions, can seem complex, making it unclear how research informs policy decisions. Meanwhile, policymakers can struggle to engage with research, where policy implications and/or recommendations may be buried behind technical jargon or in highly complex scientific papers.

Our sixth course on this series aims to foster collaboration between researchers and policymakers, breaking down barriers and promoting evidence-based policymaking. The programme will focus on how policy is made and shaped in the UK, covering creative aspects of policymaking and provides insight into the capabilities, skills, and outputs delivered by policy professionals.

In addition to its educational content, the course also offers a rare opportunity to network with distinguished policy makers, advocates and researchers. The in-person format ensures that attendees will benefit fully from the discussion workshops, which are integral to the experience.

Target Audience

This course will provide early career researchers (postgraduate students, post-doctoral fellows, technical staff and early career faculty) with an introduction to policy making and show them how to engage with policymakers, either by their research being used to influence policy or by moving into a career in science policy.

This is a residential course. Therefore, all delegates are requested to attend the meeting in person for the full duration to benefit fully from discussions and interactions with the speakers and other participants.

After attending this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe and contrast the basic structure and science policy functions of parliament, government, and the civil service.
• Follow the science policymaking process and identify key moments for influence.
• Identify and use the different channels through which scientific evidence can inform policy.
• Tailor evidence to suit the needs of different types of policymakers.
• Describe how academies, charities, funders, advocacy groups, trade associations, and press offices can channel the voice of scientists.
• Recognise tools to communicate research and optimise the impact of scientific evidence on public policymaking.
• Apply creative approaches to policy development.
• Analyse the role of communication and people-centred policymaking through media and patient perspectives.
• Connect with policy professionals and researchers who seek to influence policy.

The course will start at approximately 12.00 on Monday, 18 August and close at approximately 13.00 on Wednesday, 20 August 2025.

The programme will include lectures and interactive discussions covering the following topics:

• How does research inform policy?
• How do policymakers use research?
• Key players in policy making: perspectives from advocacy organisations
• Creativity and foresight in policy development
• Science communication and people-centred policymaking
• Meet the parliamentarians – panel discussion
• Group project – TBC

A draft programme will be available soon.

Scientific programme committee

Jade Hall
Royal Society of Biology, UK

Claire Kanja
House of Commons Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, UK

David Nicholson
Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK 

Ben Shave
House of Commons Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, UK

Confirmed speakers

A confirmed list of speakers will be announced soon.

Organisers – Wellcome Connecting Science

Jemma Hume, Event organiser
Nagehan Ramazanoglu Bahadir, Programme developer

Prerequisites

Applications are invited from early career researchers, such as postgraduate students, post-doctoral fellows, technical staff and early career faculty.

How to apply for this course

Please complete the online application form. In your application statement, please include:

1. Justification for attendance (300 words max)
   • Explain why you are interested in this course and describe any relevant experience you have in science policy (if applicable). Please note that prior policy experience is not required.
   • Clearly outline how the skills gained from this course will benefit your current research, contribute to your department’s/organisation’s goals, or support your personal career development.
   • Describe how you plan to share the knowledge acquired from the course.
2. CV (2 pages max)
   • Your CV should highlight your qualifications, current job role and/or scientific research experience.

If you have any problems with the online application process, please contact the event organiser.

Application and bursary deadline: 3 June 2025 at 23.59 BST

The course fee will be requested once acceptance is confirmed.

*The fee includes all accommodation and meals. Participants are encouraged to stay onsite as networking and informal discussion are an important part of this training. If you do not require accommodation, please contact the event organiser.

Bursaries

Wellcome Connecting Science offers registration bursaries (usually 50% of the registration fee) to those who would benefit from training but face financial barriers to attending events.

Bursary applications need to be completed in the online course application form before the deadline.

Please be prepared to:

• explain why you would benefit from funding
• answer questions about your research or work.

We will be in contact with the result of your application shortly after the deadline.

Accommodation
Booked accommodation is for the nights of 18 August and 19 August 2025.

Additional funding opportunities
Visit our support page for additional financial support currently available.

Travel visas
Please check the UK government website for advice on whether you will need a visa or an electronic travel authorisation and how to obtain one: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor.

Confirmed attendees requiring a letter to support a visa application should contact the event organiser.

Accommodation services phishing scam – please be vigilant. More information.

If you are interested in supporting this meeting, please contact us.

For more information about the benefits of having a presence at this meeting, see our sponsorship page .

Feedback from previous participants in this series:

“The workshop broadened my understanding of science policy and showed me how research and policy can be complementary. I gained an authentic glimpse into parliamentary processes and expanded my connections in science policy. This eye-opening experience shattered my misconceptions and expanded my prospects.”

“The group working sessions were very practical and helped consolidate the lessons learned from the other sessions.”

“The course was great – really interesting, pitched at a suitable level, and improved my insight of the process by which scientific evidence may be used to influence policy”

“Group work was great – objectives and expected outcomes for each day along with the guide questions helped a lot for the discussion.”