Connecting researchers and legislators can lead to policies that reflect scientific evidence

Researchers want real-world impact. Lawmakers want programs that work. The public wants to benefit from taxpayer-funded research. Building a bridge from academia to legislatures is key to all three.

Taylor Scott, Associate Research Professor of Human Development and Family Studies and Director of the Research Translation Platform, Penn State • conversation
Jan. 17, 2024 • ~9 min

Pooling multiple models during COVID-19 pandemic provided more reliable projections about an uncertain future

Policymakers rely on models during uncertain times to figure out how their choices could affect the future. Over the pandemic, an ensemble of many COVID-19 models outperformed any one alone.

Justin Lessler, Professor of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill • conversation
Nov. 20, 2023 • ~9 min

Scientists don't share their findings for fun – they want their research to make a difference

A survey of over a thousand scientists reveals that their goal when communicating about their work is to help the rest of us make evidence-based decisions that draw on scientific findings.

John C. Besley, Ellis N. Brandt Professor of Public Relations, Michigan State University • conversation
Sept. 21, 2020 • ~6 min

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