Engaging with policy makers

Research often identifies problems and proposes solutions – and these often require action from policy makers in order to have real-world impact. This workshop, given by Critical Narratives, will equip participants with the tools and skills to efficiently find their way through the world of government, politics and advocacy, and to influence those who make the decisions in their field of expertise.

Programme:

• introduction to policy making processes and context
• transforming researchers’ policy recommendations into policy change proposals
• determining who the responsible policy makers are
• understanding networks and influence
• approaching policy makers, preparing for meetings and following up
• top tips on engaging policy makers
• series of activities to develop relevant skills

Learning outcomes

By the end of this workshop, participants ...

• can identify where their research fits into the policy process,
• can distinguish broad policy recommendations from specific policy changes
• determine which policy and decision makers to target
• can identify a network of allies,
• can understand how to approach policymakers, prepare for meetings and follow up
• can set realistic priorities and expectations,
• can participate in activities to develop relevant skills

Competences

An important part of preparing for any further professional step is becoming (more) aware of the competences you have developed and/or want to develop. In the current workshop, the following competences from the UHasselt competency overview are actively dealt with:

• academic research competences:
  • valorisation
• interpersonal competences:
  • interdisciplinary collaboration
  • networking
  • persuasion
  • stakeholder awareness
• personal effectiveness:
  • perseverance
    
    

For whom?

• PhD students & postdocs
• 15 places available

When and where?

• October 9, 2026 - 13:00-16:00
• room: campus Hasselt - FR-1.01

Registration?

• You can register from here until September 6, 2026 .
• As places are limited, registering does not automatically imply that you will be able to participate. You will be notified by email in due time.
• Please cancel your registration at least one week in advance in case you cannot make it (cf. cancellation & no-show policy).

Acknowledged as?

• DS BSH: category 'IP, valorisation & science communication' - workshop on valorisation
• DS HLS: category 'transferable skills' - half of a transferable skills course
• DS ST: category 'IP & valorisation' - info session/course about valorization or innovation