Policy Impact? Research Needs a Distinctive Voice!
Researchers often treat Brussels like a pot of gold at the end of the research rainbow. Write the proposal, win the grant, produce a paper, maybe give a talk or two—and hope that somewhere, someone picks up on your results and writes it into a policy
But that’s not how policy impact works. That’s not how it ever worked.
In today's ever-changing, innovation-driven economy, combined with shifting geopolitical realities, Europe needs research more than ever. But to truly make a difference, that research must be relevant.
Here’s the problem: too many researchers, institutions, and yes—entire projects—work in silos. They get caught up in the novelty, the publications, the outputs. They convince themselves that their work will naturally filter into policy.
But what Europe actually lacks is not research—it's research that that speaks to its needs, not only at EU level but also at Member State level, clearly, credibly, and at the right time.
So, for anyone aiming for policy impact: ask yourself, are you just publishing papers, or are you joining the conversation?
Engaging policy & decision makers: a professional obligation, not a PR exercise.
Engaging with policymakers and decision makers isn’t just for seasoned policy wonks or communications staff. It’s a professional skill—one that every serious research institution should be building into their DNA.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
✅ Understand the System: The EU and national governments aren’t as mysterious as they might appear. They’re networks—full of agendas, actors, and opportunities. Learn how the system actually works.
✅ Mind the Timing: Policy doesn’t run on research timelines. Your insights need to align with the policy calendar, not just your own grant deadlines.
✅ Speak Their Language: Dump the jargon. Tell a story. Offer solutions, not just findings.
✅ Build Trust: The strongest links between research and policy are built on credibility. You’re not there just to talk—you’re there to help.
Three filters every researcher should use.
Before you make your pitch—whether it’s in a funding proposal, a briefing note, or a 5-minute chat with an official or politician—run your work through these three simple filters:
The Context Test: Can you show how your research fits into the Governments or Europe’s current policy goals—climate, competitiveness, cost of living? If not, you’re probably speaking the wrong language.
The Citizen Test: Who does this help, and how quickly? If you can’t trace the impact back to real people, it won’t land with the decision makers.
The Clarity Test: Can you explain your research without PowerPoint? Can you hold attention and explain clearly to the non-experts in the room?
A final word—for institutions.
Whether you’re running a research centre, managing an EU-funded project, or training the next generation of PhDs, this is no longer optional. The challenges of both the EU and its 27 Governments are too big—and there timelines too tight—for researchers to stay on the sidelines.
Europe doesn’t just fund research. It needs research—urgently. But only if that research shows up ready to engage.
Policy is a conversation. If you want to make an impact, start by joining that conversation—not at the finish line, but from the very first step.