Bridging the Usability Gap in Science and Policy
How a small Irish island redefined science communication for policymaking
Scientific research often struggles to make its way into policymaking. Too often, academic findings remain confined to reports, inaccessible to those who need them most. But what if research could be communicated directly by those affected, shaping policy in real-time?
That’s exactly what happened on Arranmore Island, Ireland. In a groundbreaking move, the Irish Parliament’s Joint Committee on Social Protection, Community & Rural Development, and the Islands held its first live national committee hearing from an offshore island—giving voice to the community while integrating academic expertise into policy discussions.
Rather than relying solely on traditional expert witnesses, the Committee prioritised testimony from islanders directly engaged in research. The results? A paradigm shift in evidence-informed policymaking, bridging the gap between research and real-world applications.
With 29 policy recommendations emerging directly from this hearing—including follow-up with international parliamentary groups—the Arranmore model proves that participatory science communication isn’t just possible; it can be transformative.
Want to learn more? Read the full paper here
