Wednesday, 8 October 2025 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM Room 4.06B
(Tea and coffee provided – please bring your own lunch)
Are you new to policy engagement or knowledge exchange? Want to make your research matter to policymakers?
Join us for this in-person interactive workshop to explore how researchers can present and communicate their work effectively for policy impact. Whether you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your communication approach, this practical, discussion-based session will equip you with useful tools and examples.
Over the course of 3–4 hours, we’ll cover:
- Why policy engagement matters and what actually works
- How to refine your ‘policy pitch’ and make it relevant to current policy decision-making
- How to identify your key policy audiences (e.g. via ARIs, consultations, think tanks)
- How to communicate to different audiences at the right time, in the right format
- How to use clear language, structure, narrative and tone to cut through jargon and highlight your impact
This session is especially useful for researchers wanting to produce impactful policy briefs, give evidence to select committees, or build links with civil servants, policy intermediaries and stakeholders.
🔹 Trainer Information
The workshop will be led by Sarah O’Meara, a specialist in policy communications and engagement with Universal Impact.
Sarah was formerly Communications and Engagement Manager for the International Public Policy Observatory (IPPO), and is now Head of Communications at a leading think tank focusing on local government policy and practice. She has also worked for outlets such as Nature, Science, The Independent, and HuffPost.
🔹 About Universal Impact
Universal Impact (UI) is The Conversation UK’s commercial subsidiary, led by Matt Warren (former Deputy Editor at The Conversation). UI provides research communication and engagement services, working with over 40 research institutions worldwide.
