Many researchers have difficulty finding appropriate ways to communicate the outcomes of their research to policy makers. Modern EU policies need to be based on scientific evidence so it is critical that these difficulties are adequately addressed.
For that purpose, the SCOOP project (funded under the 7th Framework Programme) has designed and implemented a series of Masterclasses aimed at maximising the dissemination and transfer of knowledge from Socio-economic Sciences and Humanities (SSH) research to policy makers.
July 2010 delegates comparing example Policy Briefs
Projects funded within the SSH programme are now invited to nominate a representative to attend a practical and interactive Communication Masterclass focused on improving the dissemination of research results to policy makers at all levels (EU, national and regional). These courses are offered for research coordinators and persons responsible for dealing with communication tasks within projects funded under the 7th Framework Programme for research.
The Masterclass provides an overview of evidence-based policy making, including an opportunity to review previous examples of policy-focused materials to identify good practice. The course builds on the recently published practical guide to
Communicating Research for Evidence-Based Policymaking, copies of which will be distributed to delegates in advance of the course.
Other aspects covered include writing policy briefs and preparing press releases, as well as an overview of web communications. Delegates will also have the opportunity to raise queries directly with representatives from DG Research, and optional individual consultation sessions are available at the end of the course. The Masterclass is free of charge and delivered by a multi-disciplinary team of communication experts, with input from key policy staff at DG Research.
Purpose
The purposes of the Communication Masterclasses are to:
- Present the context of EU policy making and outline the need for scientific evidence to inform policy
- Highlight current opportunities for communicating with policy makers
- Develop practical skills and strategies for maximising your communication approaches
- Provide a framework to learn directly from the course Tutors and other Masterclass delegates what does – and doesn’t! – work in communicating research results.
Eligibility for Participation
In order to maximise the impact of the Communication Masterclasses the following eligibility criteria have been developed:
- Due to high demand only one representative per project will be able to attend a Communication Masterclass in the current series of courses.
- The Masterclass is designed to support and inform those people responsible for communication and dissemination within current SSH-funded projects. Your Project Coordinator will be contacted to confirm that you have responsibility for this role and may therefore take that project’s allocated place on the course. This can include subcontractors and support staff, so long as you are directly working on the project.
- Projects should be currently running or about to begin (completed projects are unfortunately not eligible to attend).
- Participants must be from the Socio-Economic Sciences and Humanities (SSH) programme.
Further Information
Between 15 and 20 delegates will be accepted per course. There is no charge for involvement in the Masterclass although delegates will need to cover their own travel and accommodation costs from their project budget. Dinner will be provided on the evening of the first day and all meals during the course itself.
Please note that there are a limited number of places available. You are therefore advised to register your interest as soon as possible. You will be informed within three weeks of the scheduled dates whether you have been successful in obtaining a place on the Communication Masterclass.
You are advised not to make any travel arrangements before your place on the course is confirmed. If your registration is unsuccessful due to high demand you will be put on the priority list for the next course unless you indicate otherwise.
The final course will take place 2nd & 3rd July 2012, please email
jane.wooster@uwe.ac.uk if you have any queries.
Note that based on feedback from previous delegates all courses are now likely to be held in Brussels in order to allow greater access to Project Officers and other staff at the European Commission.
Note that the above dates are tentative at this stage and should not be taken as confirmed until registration is officially announced for each course. Full details will be promoted on this website in due course, or you may contact us at the above address if you are interested in attending a particular course.
Feedback from previous attendees
“Very informative. Very useful. This Masterclass should be available to many more projects - should be compulsory for all new projects”
“A very helpful overview of dissemination tools and instruments to diffuse results to policy makers.”
“I really hope there will be more initiatives in this direction! Well done! Thanks a lot!”