Evaluating Policy to Research Fellowship programmes

Abstract

Background: This paper provides insights into 'Policy to Research' (P2R) Fellowships and related programmes within the 'relationship' model of academic-policy engagement, which provide structured opportunities for policy officials to interact with academic researchers.

Aims and objectives: Information is provided on P2R Fellowship and similar programmes in the UK, Europe and North America. The research questions concern the aims, features and intended outcomes of P2R Fellowship programmes; what can be learned from evaluations of these programmes; and whether value for money for these programmes can be deduced. The authors then aim to provide guidance for an evaluation framework.

Methods: Programmes were identified through a subset of data gathered on research-policy engagement initiatives in a recent mapping exercise. This was supplemented via Google search. Published data on organisational websites is presented in a table, where data was checked by email with programme managers, who were also asked to provide additional evaluation documents.

Findings: Twenty-four P2R Fellowship programmes were located. Eleven programme managers confirmed information provided in Table 1. Evaluation documents were provided for five programmes. An average cost of providing a P2R Fellowship was estimated at around £5,000 for each Fellow. Five common aims for P2R Fellowship programmes were identified.

Discussion and conclusion: Quantitative and qualitative evaluations available from the 24 programmes are reviewed. The comparative lack of published evaluation data is discussed, and recommendations made for an evaluation framework for P2R Fellowships, to build understanding of how to intervene successfully to support a research-for-policy system which delivers for all.

Keywords: Policy Fellowships; academic-policy engagement; evaluation; evidence-informed policy.