How can science and practice converge to tackle the world's pressing issues? Two participants from UNU-MERIT’s Evidence-Based Policy Research Methods (EPRM) program shared their unique journeys and insights into bridging academic research with real-world challenges.
Verena: From Refugee Work to Bridging Politics and Academia
For Verena, her path to EPRM began with dual academic pursuits in economics and migration studies, paired with hands-on experience during the European refugee crisis. Now working in politics, she observed a knowledge gap between policymakers and the scientific community—a gap she was determined to close.
“Many politicians lack expertise in fields like migration,” Verena explains. “We need more experts who can provide informed insights.” The EPRM program provided a platform to reconnect with academia while complementing her practical political work.
Through the program, Verena has completely refined her research focus, narrowing from broad questions about migration attitudes to investigating how specific, obligatory interactions with refugees influence public opinions. “The detailed breakdown of research proposal components has been incredibly valuable,” she says.
Rei: A Neuroscientist Seeking Real-World Impact
Rei’s journey to the program stemmed from a desire to make fundamental mental health research more applicable to policy. A psychologist and neuroscientist, Rei has studied the effects of social media on mental health, recently publishing on this topic. However, he noted the growing trend of social media restrictions globally, often implemented without scientific backing.
“There’s a gap between research findings and policymaking,” he observes. “That’s why basic scientists like me need to engage with real-world applications.”
Rei highlighted how EPRM’s multidisciplinary environment has been transformative. “You’re engaging with people from development economics, politics, and other fields. The diversity of perspectives has been eye-opening,” he shares.
A Policy-Oriented Approach to Research
Both participants were struck by the program’s emphasis on applying research to real-world contexts. For Rei, the shift from academic-centric to policy-oriented research was significant. “The research here is open-ended, connected to real-life issues, and has broader implications beyond academia,” he notes.
Verena echoes this, emphasising how external feedback helped refine her approach. “It’s invaluable to step outside your perspective and hear how others perceive your work,” she says.
Advice for Future Applicants
When asked what advice they’d offer to prospective applicants, both Verena and Rei stressed the program’s intensity and the importance of commitment.
“It’s an excellent program, but only if you’re truly passionate about academic writing and research,” Verena notes. Rei adds, “The opportunity to interact with like-minded individuals is rare—if you’re prepared to engage fully, it’s an experience worth having.”
For both Verena and Rei, UNU-MERIT’s EPRM program represents more than an academic milestone—it’s a step toward connecting knowledge with action, bridging the divide between research and practice to create meaningful impact.
