Report of the Capabilities in Academic-Policy Engagement (CAPE) seminar and panel discussion on Chief Scientific Advisors, 14 December 2020 This event was part of CAPE’s programme of work exploring academic-policy engagement within local and regional government and the role that a science advisory function might play. The goal of the discussion was to explore the role of chief scientific advisers (CSAs) and share the perspectives of those who have been or are presently CSAs with national government or public bodies. This note highlights the key points from the panel discussion and consolidates the most salient messages raised during the Q&A … Continued

In December 2020, the Capabilities in Academic-Policy Engagement partnership (CAPE) co-facilitated a workshop with Camden Council at a meeting of the London Policy & Strategy Network. The aim of the workshop was to explore: current policy challenges for local councils difficulties in accessing research evidence and expertise The discussion at the workshop will inform the development of CAPE activities to support engagement with local councils within London and across England.

CAPE is pleased to announce a new Policy Fellowship opportunity with Yorkshire Universities (YU), working together with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA). This role will require the successful candidate to work closely with YU, WYCA, PERN and other partners in West Yorkshire, including local authorities, further education, health and care sector, communities and business. The main responsibilities will be to: Act as a conduit for academic expertise and research evidence to inform policy considerations and development in West Yorkshire, in order to: expand the understanding and use of high-quality expertise and evidence in regional policy development; and increase the … Continued

CAPE is working with the Scrutiny Unit of the House of Commons Committee Office to support the implementation of the 2017-19 Liaison Committee’s report recommendations on use of research evidence. A 6-month Policy Fellowship is providing dedicated expertise to explore how to support the use of research evidence in Parliament. This includes working with Select Committees on developing their Areas of Research Interests (ARIs) and considering how to develop more systematic structures of cooperation between parliament and research institutions. The Fellowship will explore appropriate tools and incentives to encourage engagement and help to provide evaluation of new initiatives. The project activities … Continued

Capabilities in Academic Policy Exchange (CAPE) and the Evidence and Partnerships Hub in the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) Data and Analytical Services Directorate are excited to announce their new collaboration exploring how to strengthen links between policy/practice and the academic community. Our engagement programme will run throughout 2021 with the aim of learning more about effective modes of knowledge exchange and addressing key evidence gaps in the MoJ Areas of Research Interest (ARI) publication. Activities will be developed iteratively in response to need and are expected to include collaborative events, training, commencement of fellowships and secondments, and co-created research projects. … Continued