Have you ever wondered how Arts and Humanities research influences public policy? Do you yearn for role models from across Arts and Humanities disciplines who represent recent, successful examples of policy engagement with academic research, leading to societal change? Look no further! This new publication by UPEN Vice Chair (Arts and Humanities) Professor Arlene Holmes-Henderson and Laidlaw Scholar Luke Sewell (both Durham University) collates case studies from researchers in diverse institutions, spread across the UK, and shares their experiences of working with policy professionals in parliament, national government, devolved administrations, local authorities and policy-adjacent organisations.
Professor Holmes-Henderson says, ‘We hope that this open-access publication will encourage more members of the Arts and Humanities academic community to share their research with policymakers.
The UPEN A&H Sub-Committee also highlights the importance of this report, noting how ‘the geographical range of case studies presented, as well as the diversity of university type and career stage of researchers, demonstrates that the policymaking community is open to collaboration with Arts and Humanities researchers across the sector….We hope that colleagues will, like us, feel uplifted by the outstanding work that is already taking place, and inspired for future research-policy interactions’.
The publication is full of advice on how to establish and deepen relationships with policy colleagues, which we hope will be equally valuable to knowledge exchange professionals.
And to the policy community, Arts and Humanities research can help inform your thinking in a range of interesting and helpful ways. Please talk to us!’
UPEN will host a free event with contributors to this publication, hosted by Professor Holmes-Henderson and Luke Sewell on Wednesday 29th January 2025. Register here.
