Bridging the Gap Between Research, Policy and Practice
The importance of intermediaries (knowledge brokers)
in producing research impact

Wednesday 7 December 2011, 9.30am-5.00pm
(followed by a drinks reception)

Download programme here >>

“Knowledge brokers” are intermediaries whose role is to promote the use of academic research by non-academics, including policymakers, professionals, charitable organisations, business, industry and the general public. Knowledge brokers can be individuals or whole knowledge exchange units. Within universities in the UK, many social science departments and research centres are now employing dedicated knowledge exchange staff to ensure their research creates an impact in the outside world. These staff may be called knowledge exchange managers, knowledge exchange coordinators or knowledge exchange officers. Alternatively, their job titles may refer to communications, policy, research dissemination, engagement or outreach.

This event will focus especially on knowledge brokerage in the social sciences. It is designed to encourage dialogue between knowledge exchange practitioners and organisations, and researchers who study knowledge exchange. The number of knowledge exchange staff in universities is increasing as a result of government policies prioritising the impact of research. However, many of these staff are isolated and there is a lack of clear guidance and evidence for this emerging profession. This event aims to redress that deficit by sharing expert knowledge and best practice in relation to knowledge brokerage.

Who should attend:

• Knowledge exchange staff, managers and directors in higher education (knowledge exchange officers and managers; communications and policy staff; Deans of research and knowledge exchange)
• Researchers studying knowledge exchange and research use
• Knowledge brokers outside academia (eg, working in government)
• Higher education and research funders and policymakers
• Social science researchers with an interest in how their research is used outside the academy
• Anyone who uses academic social science research in a non-academic setting (government, voluntary sector, business, etc)