Opportunities for linking research to policy: lessons learned from implementation research in sexual and reproductive health within the ANSER network

INTRODUCTION

Strategies to improve research uptake and implementation

In this journal article, the Academic Network for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Policy (ANSER) conducted a case study and discussion-based workshop with researchers across 16 countries. They formulated recommendations both at the researcher-stakeholder level and researcher-researcher level, to strengthen SRHR policies and improve research uptake.

From research to policy - Strategic engagement matters

Strategically engaging stakeholders can provide opportunities to drive greater research uptake when it comes to policy and aligning research to political priorities. This paper describes strategies that can be applied to research approaches globally, to improve research findings and policy development.

Developing strong communication pathways, skills and practices with policy-makers sustained over time, was found to be essential for the effective translation and dissemination of SRHR research evidence by programme partners involved in developing a comprehensive care model for responding to sexual and gender-based violence in Kenya, as discussed in one of the case studies [17] and also among a health policy group in Nigeria [22].

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Invest time and effort into sustainable partnerships with policymakers

   This was found to be key, particularly at the researcher-stakeholder level. These partnerships can be used to collaboratively set SRHR research agendas in alignment with political priorities. Furthermore, strong partnerships with other stakeholders and the media can assist with the broad dissemination of results.

2. Use messaging that speaks to policymakers

   Researchers should become familiar with the rhetoric of policymakers in order to convey research results clearly and in a way that mobilises political engagement and action. What’s more, researchers should consider how to strategically address political priorities through their work, in order to drive greater policy uptake.

3. Encourage cross-sector collaboration

   At the researcher-researcher level, professionals can diversify their teams and synthesise existing SRHR evidence for greater impact. This can be achieved through diverse collaborations between experts in various fields, and should be encouraged at all levels.

4. Incorporate different contexts to strengthen approaches

   The amalgamation of different research perspectives and evidence across different contexts will create stronger arguments to guide SRHR policy, particularly those focused on best practice, including what has worked and what has not worked.

Read the full journal article here.