Policy impact academy

Empowering Irish researchers for policy engagement

Training programme delivered by the Institute for Methods Innovation and funded under the Research Ireland Discover Programme.

Learn about policy engagement

This policy engagement training programme is designed to enhance the engagement capacity of the Irish research community, focusing on the research-policy interface. Participants will learn to navigate the Irish policy environment, present research in policy-relevant terms, employ a responsible and ethical approach and identify impactful intervention points.

The programme consists of a self-paced online training course and live virtual training sessions. This training is offered at no cost to eligible participants.

This programme will be delivered by Prof. Eric A. Jensen, Prof. Mark Reed and Prof. Katriona O’Sullivan, three highly experienced researchers with extensive policy engagement experience.

Schedule

Session		*Virtual (Zoom) sessions** 9:30 am to 12:30 pm (Dublin time)
1	How to Strategise, Scope and Plan for Policy Impact	8 September 2025 (Part 1) 11 September 2025 (Part 2)
2	How to Navigate the Policy Impact Process	15 September 2025 (Part 1) 17 September 2025 (Part 2)
3	How to Make a Difference in Policy	22 September 2025 (Part 1) 24 September 2025 (Part 2)
4	How to Evaluate and Evidence Policy Impact	6 October 2025 (Part 1) 8 October 2025 (Part 2)

1	How to Strategise, Scope and Plan for Policy Impact	8 September 2025 (Part 1) 11 September 2025 (Part 2)
2	How to Navigate the Policy Impact Process	15 September 2025 (Part 1) 17 September 2025 (Part 2)
3	How to Make a Difference in Policy	22 September 2025 (Part 1) 24 September 2025 (Part 2)
4	How to Evaluate and Evidence Policy Impact	6 October 2025 (Part 1) 8 October 2025 (Part 2)

* Each module will be broken into two half-days to avoid digital fatigue. Participants need to attend both virtual sessions.

View module details

Eligibility

You do not need policy experience to be eligible to apply. However, you’ll need to meet BOTH of these requirements:

You’re a PhD candidate or a researcher at postdoctoral level or higher (at any postdoctoral career stage).
You’re based at an Irish higher education institution or a recognised independent research organisation.

We also welcome applications from policy officers, engagement managers or other non-research central staff, noting that these participants are capped at a maximum of 10% of the total cohort.

Learn more about this training programme, including eligibility

If you don’t meet any of the eligibility requirements and are interested in the training programme, we’re offering 20 paid seats that any individual can purchase through our Methods for Change training platform. If you enrol in all four modules at the standard or charity rate, a 30% discount will be automatically applied at checkout. You can secure your place here.

How to apply

Entry to the programme is competitive, and an application is required. Applications will be accepted from 1 May to 6 June 2025. We encourage you to secure your place as soon as possible.

Please complete the following registration form for full consideration to join our training programme.

NOTE: This form is optimised for laptop/desktop. Some functionality may be unavailable in mobile

Attending the full training course is encouraged where feasible. However, it is possible to attend only part of the training programme. You will be provided with access to an online course that complements the live virtual sessions to complete at your own pace.

We will review the applications and confirm places for the live sessions of the training programme via email by 2 July 2025.

After submission, applications will be reviewed, and successful individuals will receive a confirmation by email. Applications will be reviewed in the order they’re received, based only on the application form. This training programme actively promotes equal opportunity.