Scientists and researchers are increasingly under pressure to demonstrate the impact of their work beyond the traditional publications, patents and teaching. Additionally, they are now required by the funding institutions to show how their work affects the communities they work in and how it relates to and influences the major development and policy debates. This requirement stretches the scientists/researchers beyond the margins of their disciplinary training. Communicating with and influencing policy makers require the scientists and researchers to be conversant with and know how to apply a set of strategies and tools.

a) The art of influencing policy change workshop in Mombasa

Held on 25th – 27th April, 2022 Mombasa, Kenya. Bringing together representatives from various science granting councils (SGCs) across Africa. The workshop aimed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge required to effectively translate scientific research outcomes into actionable policy advice for governments and stakeholders. This capacity-building event marked a significant step toward strengthening the role of SGCs in guiding evidence-based policymaking across the continent. The workshop provided an environment for participants to learn essential strategies to bridge the divide between research and policy.

Training Manual

L’art D’influencer le changement de politique

A arte de Influenciar a Mudança Política

Photobook

b) Making research Evidence count for Policy and Practice: Training on The Art of Influencing Policy Change.

The Scinnovent concluded the training on the Art of Influencing Policy change. The training was held at the African Academy of science campus, Karen on 12th- 14th February 2013. It was organized in partnership with National Commission for Science, Technology & Innovation (NACOSTI), Open University, United Kingdom and African academy of Science (AAS).

The training brought together 24 participants from dynamic mix of profession including scientist, engineers, agriculturalists and Journalists. Representing diverse organizations including university, research institution, NGOs and Media.

c) Training on the Art of Influencing Policy Change

The training held on 23 – 29 September 2012 in N’Djamena, Tchad, employed a mix of methods including interactive lectures/presentations; group works; individual assignments and plenary discussions.

The training covered a variety of topics including: (i) bridging the research – policy gap: what role for researchers? (ii) Evidence- based policymaking: key issues and considerations (iii) getting knowledge into policy: what works and what doesn’t (iv) A framework of Action for influencing policy change (v) Influence mapping (vi)Writing policy papers and policy briefs etc.

Participants included researchers from Africa institutions (Senegal, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Chad, Tanzania, and Uganda), its northern scientific partners (University of Glasgow UK, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Bergen, Norway), the representatives of Wellcome Trust and the African Union Interafrican Bureau for Animal.

d) Influencing Policy Change – Effective Communication and Policy Briefs, Moi University

The training was held in Moi University from 29th- 31st October 2014 with an aim of bridging the research policy gap. The trainers were Dr. Maurice Bolo and JPR Ochieng-Odero, APHRC.