Durham University will be part of a new network to support evidence-based policymaking.
Research England and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) have announced a total of £5.9 million to develop the Universities Policy and Engagement Network (UPEN), a UK-wide network of organisations who support the use of academic expertise and evidence on public policymaking.
UPEN connects UK policymakers with researchers from more than 110 universities, as well as providing support, best practice, and collaborative opportunities for policy engagement.
Over the next four years, UPEN will undertake new work including:
UPEN is hosted by University College London (UCL) and include ourselves along with the universities of Birmingham, Cambridge, Huddersfield, Leeds, Nottingham Trent, Southampton, Teesside, Insights North East at Newcastle, and the Wales Centre for Public policy at Cardiff University.
Also participating are the Institute for Community Studies, the Institute for Government, and Yorkshire Universities.
Durham will be represented by Neil Heckels, Senior Policy Engagement Manager. With Southampton University, Neil will co-lead UPEN’s delivery of professional development and capability building activity.
The need for reliable evidence which can inform public debate and policy has never been greater. With increasing pressure on public finances, it is also vital that local and central governments can be confident that their policy interventions will be effective and successful – and academic expertise has a crucial role to play in that process.
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