UPEN is a voluntary-led network of UK universities and knowledge brokers. We provide a one stop shop for universities and policy organisations to access opportunities to strengthen evidence-informed policy making. UPEN’s mission is to facilitate a connective and collaborative ecosystem to strengthen the use of academic research in public policy.
It has been 15 years since the publication of the joint AAAS-Royal Society report New Frontiers in Science Diplomacy.1 To mark that anniversary, our two organizations are revisiting our report, aiming to publish an update to it in early 2025. Over the past year, we have consulted stakeholders widely, aiming to gather a diverse range of views…
Abstract Science is essential for cities to understand and intervene on the increasing global risks. However, challenges in effectively utilizing scientific knowledge in decision-making processes limit cities’ abilities to address these risks. This scoping review examines the development of science for urban policy, exploring the contextual factors, organizational structures, and mechanisms that facilitate or hinder…
Abstract: Today’s institutional leaders face a shifting landscape of challenges. View from the Top: Academic Leaders’ and Funders’ Insights on the Challenges Ahead explores the complex issues academic leaders and funders face, their preparedness to tackle them, and the strategies they’re developing to ensure long-term success for their institutions. Developed from interviews of over 100…
Authors: Kathryn Oliver, Anna Hopkins, Annette Boaz, Shannon Guillot-Wright, Paul Cairney Background: To improve the use of evidence in policy and practice, many organisations and individuals seek to promote research-policy engagement activities, but little is known about what works. Aims and objectives: We sought (a) to identify existing research-policy engagement activities, and (b) evidence on…
Abstract Climate change and COVID-19 have brought mathematical models into the forefront of politics and decision-making, where they are now being used to justify momentous and often controversial decisions. Such models are technically very complex, and sources of political authority. Yet disagreement among experts fuels a growing uneasiness about the quality and significance of the…
Abstract: What is the role of the institution of science in a world where trust is declining? How do we ensure respect for scientifically derived knowledge in this environment, and particularly for policymaking? How do we ensure that policymakers are more likely to take into account the role of scientifically derived evidence in their decision-making?…
End of content
End of content