The UK Data Service delves deeper into what you can gain from joining the upcoming event: Perspectives on Engagement and Impact.
“Behind every dataset is a human story, and behind every policy decision are people who feel its consequences in their daily lives. As policymakers, it’s our responsibility to bridge the gap between policy and the people it affects. Researchers can shape better decisions when they understand how policymakers think, the responsibilities we carry, and what we need from data to act decisively.”
— Adam Davis, councillor
Adam Davis is a councillor who makes evidence-based decisions that make a real difference to the people in his local area.
As a decision maker, he’s clear that simple but powerful narratives drawn from data-enhanced research are the quickest and most effective way to support people like him to make these important decisions.
But how can we turn our research into these effective narratives and reach the right people?
Creating engaging and impactful narratives
On Wednesday 11 February, the UK Data Service will bring together Early Career Researchers with stakeholders from charities, the NHS and local decision-makers in Manchester for Perspectives on Engagement and Impact.
A standout part of the day comes from CLOSER, experts in policy engagement and evidence use.
CLOSER will explore how to make your research stand out. They will be leading a workshop titled ‘Learn how to effectively mobilise your research in the policy landscape’
What can participants expect from the CLOSER workshop?
“Breaking news every hour, a continuous onslaught of social media posts, videos, podcasts and an endless stream of messages, calls and opinions vying for your attention. If that’s what life is like for most people, imagine being in government or parliament. Every day you are bombarded by more and more information competing to win the hearts and minds of those in power.
Tired of receiving complex research papers and briefings full of jargon, government officials, Members of Parliament and their advisors often end up resorting to “The twin pillars of Google and asking people we know”. So how do researchers cut through the noise to capture the attention of policymakers?
This interactive lecture and practical workshop session will focus on what influences policymakers and the different ways researchers can inform and shape policy discussions, along with a set of tips, resources, and tools to help you on your journey to policy impact.
At the end of the session, participants will be able to:
- Describe policymaking processes and identify techniques that they can use to effectively mobilise their own research.
- Understand how to produce a range of impactful products for a policy audience.
- Develop and discover confidence in their ability to mobilise their research to policy actors.
— Rob Davies, Head of Policy and Dialogue at CLOSER
Ready to make your research matter?
Join us in Manchester on 11 February 2026 for an in-person day of learning, networking and inspiration.
Sign up for Perspectives on Engagement and Impact and start turning your research into real-world impact.
Meet the team
(Left) Finn Dymond-Green (They/Them) is the Director of Impact at the UK Data Service.
(Middle) Eve Little (She/Her) is one of the Impact and Engagement Managers at the UK Data Service.
(Right) Sophie Gawryla (She/Her) is one of the Impact and Engagement Managers at the UK Data Service.
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