Bridging the gap between research and policy
- alisonpotter2
- Apr 7
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
UNSW Post doctoral researcher Dr Shukla Poddar shares insights on how to get your research in front of policymakers, after attending the Science meets Parliament conference, with the support of ACAP and SPREE.
In February, SPREE’s Dr Shukla Poddar joined eight UNSW scientists and researchers in Canberra for the two-day Science Meets Parliament conference convened by Science and Technology Australia. The conference aims to increase dialogue and engagement between policymakers and researchers to ensure that science and technology is integrated into national decision making.
“Science communication is an important aspect of research, especially when it addresses policy around reducing carbon emissions, renewable energy and building a sustainable future,” said Dr Poddar. “Sharing research outcomes with politicians is crucial to evidence-based decision-making processes, especially for new policy development and future research funding.”
During the conference, STEM professionals connected with parliamentarians, government departments and industry leaders to raise the visibility and relevance of their work to national challenges. It is expected that relationships established during the conference will lead to ongoing collaborations with policymakers, potential research funding, and a stronger role for STEM in shaping Australia’s future.
Ministers attending the conference included the Minister for Science and Innovation Ed Husic, Independent MP Allegra Spender, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, Governor General Sam Mostyn, and Australia's Chief Scientist Professor Tony Hamet. Dr Poddar said many ministers made reference to SPREE in their speeches. She met with Independent Senator David Van, who is focused on renewables and defence and said Van was aware of some of SPREE’s research and was interested in further engagement on PV panel lifetimes and DER.
“The art of effective science communication is challenging as different audiences will resonate with different numbers, values or outcomes from the same research.”
"Policymakers are most interested in a larger outcome, such as low-cost, high-efficiency technologies that can be implemented for greater good."
Poddar and other participants were trained in effective science communication, policy engagement and advocacy strategies, enhancing their ability to translate research into actionable policy.
“Submitting to an inquiry committee is one way to showcase your evidence-based research. This can be a group submission, individual submission or a submission from a research centre,” said Dr Poddar.
Building networks is essential for research impact, and events like the conference are valuable platforms for early career researchers to start forming connections with policymakers. “Science and Technology Australia holds events and runs programs which can be a great platform to connect with policymaker's especially for early career researchers,” said Dr Poddar.
“Local MPs and senators are always interested in learning more about research based on their focus areas, and reaching out to them or inviting them for lab tours can be a starting point for a conversation.
“It also helps if supervisors or seniors in your organisation can introduce you to policymakers or their staff.”
ACAP and SPREE supported Dr Shukla Poddar's attendance at the Science Meets Parliament Conference.
Useful links:
Australian Parliament:
NSW Legislative Assembly: Making a submission to a parliamentary committee inquiry
UNSW's DPMP reflections: Making submissions to government inquiries
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