Navigating the Policy-making Landscape
This page serves as a valuable resource for understanding and navigating the policy-making landscape in the UK. Here, you will find current and upcoming opportunities in the biofilm sector, useful resources such as guides on writing policy briefs, and information on the UK and Devolved Nations’ policy-making processes. Additionally,you can find on-demand access and free training provided by the Knowledge Exchange Unit of the UK Parliament ideal for any researcher interested in biofilm policy.
Current Opportunities
Policy Impact for Academics Workshop
Join the Institute for Government on 24 September 2026, for an online, full-day Policy Impact for Academics workshop – designed specifically for academic researchers and policy engagement support staff. It is open to anyone working at a UK university or similar research organisation.
Many researchers are keen to achieve real world impact with their research. But the idea of engaging with policy makers is daunting – government is complex and opaque, it seems like it will take up a lot of time, and it’s difficult to know where to start. This workshop will explain how different parts of government fit together, how policy making works in practice and how your evidence can be best positioned to make a difference. The workshop will also consider how to raise your profile and communicate with policy makers.
UK Parliament Knowledge Exchange Unit, Free Online Training:
Get step-by-step guidance on structuring effective policy briefs with an executive summary, background, analysis, and recommendations to communicate research findings to policymakers clearly.
- Parliament for Researchers – how to engage with the UK Parliament
- Parliament for Researchers – how to work with select committees
- Parliament for Researchers – exploring select committee evidence
- Parliament for Researchers – how to write for a parliamentary audience
- Parliament for Researchers – how to engage with devolved legislatures
- Policy Engagement for Researchers – how to engage with Government, in contrast to Parliament
- Parliament for Early Career Researchers – how to engage with the UK Parliament
- Parliament for PhD students – how to engage with the UK Parliament
Writing a briefing or policy note:
Learn how to create effective briefings or policy notes with clear structure, concise content, and impactful recommendations to communicate your research effectively to policymakers.
UK-specific resources:
Access a variety of UK-specific resources, including guides, policy frameworks, and training materials tailored to the UK biofilm research landscape.
Scotland-specific resources
Explore Scotland-specific resources, including guides, policy documents, and training materials tailored to the biofilm research landscape in Scotland.
- Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe)
- SPICe blog
- Academic Fellowship Scheme
- UKRI Policy Internship Scheme
- Scottish Policy & Research Exchange (SPRE)
- Scottish Parliament Calls for Views
- Scottish Government Consultations
- Academic Engagement and Lobbying Guidance
- How to get your research into the Scottish Parliament
- Scottish ARIs
Training Webinar: How to engage with the Scottish Parliament as a researchers
Wales-specific resources
Access Wales-specific resources, including guides, policy documents, and training materials tailored to the biofilm research landscape in Wales.
Northern Ireland-specific resources
Find Northern Ireland-specific resources, including guides, policy documents, and training materials tailored to the biofilm research landscape in Northern Ireland.
Published POSTNotes that may be of interest:
Discover a selection of published POSTNotes that may be relevant to your biofilm research interests. These notes offer valuable insights and analyses on various policy issues.
Placement opportunities:
Explore various placement opportunities to enhance your experience and knowledge in biofilm research, providing hands-on learning and professional development.