Early Career Researchers from all over the UK will be attending the Perspectives on Engagement and Impact event on 11 February, 2026, which has been designed to help researchers learn from peers and stakeholders how their work can be used to drive impact.
The free event will be packed full of engaging activities, including an interactive workshop led by policy engagement specialists from CLOSER.
During this session, researchers will be able to try their hand at creating a compelling policy brief – a skill that can help their research stand out in the policy arena.
Other activities will include:
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Stakeholder “Speed-Dating” – Researchers will be able to meet and talk with stakeholders from different sectors. They will also be able to ask the questions that matter and gain practical insights into how research could influence decisions in these sectors.
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Lightning keynotes – big ideas in short bursts – These will be like TED-style talks from decision-makers, academics, and third-sector leaders on bridging research and real-world impact.
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A panel discussion will take place with some of our former Data Impact Fellows – researchers just a few career steps ahead in their careers. This will provide a chance to hear their perspectives on opportunities (and challenges) that may be open to researchers.
Stakeholders joining us for Perspectives on Engagement and Impact will include:
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NHS professionals improving services through evidence-based decisions.
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Royal British Legion representatives using data to influence policy and shape support for the armed forces community.
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Resolve Poverty policy officers applying data insights to tackle inequality and inform local action.
Referring to their workshop, Rob Davies, the Head of Policy and Dialogue at CLOSER said: “This interactive lecture and practical workshop session – Learn how to effectively mobilise your research in the policy landscape – 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.”
Ellen O’Connor, a Research Manager from the Policy and Research department at the Royal British Legion, added: “When we base our work on strong insight and evidence, we can shape policy, services and support that genuinely respond to people’s needs. For charities, events like this are a great chance to show researchers how their data, ideas and expertise can translate into real‑world impact.”
Finn Dymond-Green, the Director of Impact at the UK Data Service, said: “It’s undoubtedly a challenge to get findings and recommendations from data-enhanced research in front of the right people in a form that engages them and supports them to make decisions. The UK Data Service is delighted to be working with CLOSER and a range of stakeholders to give Early Career Researchers a unique, interactive opportunity to explore effective ways of getting their research seen and acted on.”
Adam Davis, a councillor from Swansea, said he is looking forward to the event: “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.”
Read more about the event on the Data Impact blog.