Maximising ASCRU research impact

Achieving policy impact from research requires more than ensuring that a project addresses relevant questions or that the findings are summarised in plain English. The key to achieving impact is being able to link research findings to specific short- and long-term policy decisions, and being clear about how research informs those decisions.

​AIMS

This project will develop guidelines, on the process that ASCRU2 research projects can use to maximise their policy impact. Researchers will work in collaboration with colleagues at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

​METHODS/DATA

As a first step, this project will use examples from previous ASCRU projects to develop a classification of research projects. The classification will be based on how they can be expected to contribute to policy decisions.

We will then work together with DHSC colleagues to develop a methodology so that each ASCRU2 project can identify the likely policy decisions it could inform and the best strategy and methods to communicate the findings to DSHC.

During the lifetime of ASCRU2, we will engage researchers involved in ASCRU2 projects to support them in communicating their findings and engaging with stakeholders from DHSC.