Our panel will bring together the latest insights in relation to local, regional and devolved policy engagement. It will highlight the strategic importance of this work, situating it in the context of drivers such as the Civic University Agenda, as well as in relation to more recent catalysts including the new Labour government’s ‘Devolution Revolution’. It will highlight investments made in response to these trends, for example the ESRC’s LPIPs, UKRI’s IAAs and Research England’s investments in collaborative programmes.

We will share insights and lessons from long established centres of excellence (the Welsh Centre for Public Policy), as well as newer initiatives (the Yorkshire Policy Engagement Research Network). In this context we will draw upon both our practical experience of delivery, as well as insights generated from the evaluations we have conducted.

We will consider the implications of these drivers and initiatives in the context of research management, and highlight what funder responses to these trends mean in relation to research development and impact. We will offer actionable insights and tips that will help those seeking to optimise their support in this context. The panel will be relevant to professionals at institutions of all sizes and shapes across the UK.