The University of Helsinki has recently launched new tools for knowledge brokering, or facilitating the exchange of knowledge. The tools allow researchers to share the results of their work with policymakers. This aims to ensure that research across disciplines delivers the most effective benefit for society.
“Decision-makers are busy and have no time to seek information from long academic papers. That’s why the academic community itself must be active. With the new tools, we wish to make it as easy as possible for researchers to communicate accessibly. We believe this will be valuable for policymakers in both Finland and the EU,” states Liaison Manager Tanja Remes, who oversees lobbying at the University of Helsinki.
For example, the University has prepared researcher guidelines and a layout template for writing policy briefs. They are short and accessible summaries made available to politicians, assistants and officials for use in their work.
“Policy briefs must be accessible at a glance. Timing is also important; information is needed when the preparation of decisions begins. We would like to see the template encourage more researchers to compile their findings into a clear package. Going forward, published policy briefs will be available on the University website,” says Remes.
Another new initiative is the online course on research impact, published last year. The course invites researchers to consider, for example, how their research can influence society. Participants leave with practical strategies for achieving this goal.
“Each researcher can promote public engagement in ways that suit them best. While one presents findings on social media, another joins forces with the business community or the public sector. Researchers’ contributions in themselves always shape society by advancing knowledge,” notes Remes.
The online course is suited especially to early-career scholars, but more experienced researchers too may gain useful advice. The course can be completed in Finnish or English and takes about three to six hours.
“The need for these new tools arises from the University’s strategic plan, which emphasises knowledge-sharing and public engagement. We want to see decisions rely increasingly on research knowledge,” says Remes.
The University of Helsinki offers its researchers many other tools too for promoting the impact of their work. For example, researchers can ask a dedicated University team to organise training in knowledge brokering on their campus.
In addition, researchers are encouraged to write an interaction plan and use the material published by the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters to disseminate research knowledge to decision-makers. Also available is support for attending parliamentary committee hearings.
“We seek to assist researchers in actively communicating knowledge to policymakers. This increases insight into the societal importance of scholarly work. Dialogue between researchers and policymakers is key in promoting the green transition, supporting Finns’ health and wellbeing or strengthening democracy,” summarises Remes.