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Professor Mark Boyle and Seán Ó Foghlú of the Maynooth University Social Sciences Institute, in conjunction with Maynooth University Research Development Office, Have organised a series of seminars from September 2024 to May 2025. The seminar series explores practices in Research for Policy, giving researchers from Maynooth University and the policy-makers in Government Departments that they have been working with an opportunity to discuss their experiences of working together and to reflect on what they have achieved and what they have learned.
The seminar series is aimed at academics/researchers and policy-makers seeking to understand how interaction between academics/researchers and policy-makers works and has been designed to enable those interested to engage with examples of such engagement that they may be interested in.
The seminar marked the first in a series of five engagements exploring the relationship between academic research and policymaking. Hosted in a hybrid format, the event welcomed participants both in-person and online, including university researchers, public service representatives, and policymakers. The aim of the series is to showcase successful collaborations between researchers and policymakers, examining their experiences, perceptions, and lessons learned.
The seminar featured Dr Aideen Doris, Associate Professor and Head of the Economics Department in Maynooth University, and Roshin Sen, Chief Analyst at the Department of Social Protection. The discussion centred on their collaboration in the Pensions Commission, where Róisín served as Secretary and Aideen was a member, bringing her expertise in labour market economics.
Aideen and Roshin reflected on their experiences working together in the Commission. Aideen noted that while she initially hesitated to join due to her limited background in pensions, her expertise in gender and labour market economics proved valuable. Her involvement stemmed from her previous engagement in public policy discussions, highlighting the importance of making research publicly visible.
Roshin underscored the interdisciplinary nature of the Commission’s work, where experts from different backgrounds collaborated to ensure comprehensive policy recommendations. The Commission’s technical working group played a crucial role in scrutinising data, validating projections, and providing evidence-based analysis.
Both speakers acknowledged the immense time commitment required for such policy work, which often comes at the expense of research activities. They emphasised the need for formal institutional mechanisms to support academics engaging in policy roles, such as:
Clearer funding arrangements for universities to accommodate academics’ involvement in commissions.
Workload adjustments and recognition in promotion criteria.
Platforms for recognising and publishing technical papers that result from policy advisory roles.
The discussion highlighted that while academic engagement in policy is impactful, it is often undervalued in university rankings and career progression frameworks. Addressing these structural issues could encourage greater participation from researchers in policymaking.
This seminar was the second in a series exploring collaboration between researchers and policymakers. The focus was on real-world examples of academics working with government departments, with an emphasis on how these partnerships function and the lessons learned. The discussion featured Dr Ian Marder, from the School of Law, and Ben Ryan, Assistant Secretary in the Department of Justice. They explored two key collaborative projects: one on restorative justice and another on criminal justice research partnerships.
Both speakers emphasised the importance of mutual understanding in successful academic-policy partnerships. Ben Ryan highlighted that government departments operate under significant political and resource constraints, meaning not all recommendations can be implemented immediately. Academics, on the other hand, bring expertise and independent analysis but need to appreciate these practical realities.
They also discussed the need for better public engagement in criminal justice policy, particularly in shifting public attitudes towards more evidence-based and progressive approaches. Misinformation and media sensationalism often create resistance to change, and academics can play a role in providing accurate information to the public and policymakers.
This session focused on the Public Service Fellowship Scheme, run by Research Ireland (formerly Science Foundation Ireland, SFI), which enables academics to be embedded in government departments. The seminar featured Professor Louise Connell, a research fellow in the Department of Psychology at Maynooth University, currently seconded to the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery, and Reform (DPENDR). She was joined by Clare Doyle, a policy expert from the Department of Public Expenditure. Together, they discussed their project on using Behavioural Science to tackle environmental challenges and improve public policymaking.
Through engagement with stakeholders across government, they found that behavioural insights were being used inconsistently but were particularly effective when applied early in the policymaking process. This seminar highlighted both the successes and challenges of embedding academic expertise into government. While behavioural science is gaining traction in policymaking, there is still work to do in improving evidence quality, institutional structures, and knowledge retention.
This seminar, featured Professor Brian Donnellan from Maynooth University and Chiara Loda (Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science). The discussion revolved around impact, engagement, and the role of research in shaping public policy. The session highlighted the Public Service Fellowship Scheme, which embeds academics in government departments. Professor Donnellan shared his experience of being seconded part-time to DFHERIS, working on assessing the impact of the tertiary education system on workplace innovation.
Challenges discussed included the rigidity of institutional structures, differing timeframes between academia and policymaking, and the need for clearer principles on research ethics and integrity, particularly in relation to private sector partnerships. There was also debate about the extent to which universities should engage with industries that may not always align with the public good. Additionally, the concept of "exnovation"—phasing out outdated or harmful practices—was raised as an area requiring further exploration alongside innovation.
The seminar also addressed broader systemic issues, including the need for universities to enhance their structures for supporting policy engagement. The role of research in implementation, rather than just policy development, was highlighted as a major challenge, with calls for better funding mechanisms and institutional incentives to sustain impact beyond individual projects. The event concluded with reflections on the evolving role of universities, the complexities of interdisciplinary collaboration, and the importance of boundary objects—shared frameworks that help different sectors work together more effectively. Overall, the discussion underscored the need for a more strategic, sustained approach to integrating research with policy and industry to drive meaningful societal change.
The session featured Sarah Glavey, Principal Officer at the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (Depender), and Trevor Vaugh, a former academic now working in public service transformation.
Sarah provided an overview of the government’s Better Public Services strategy, which runs until 2030, focusing on transformation, digitalisation, workforce development, and evidence-informed policymaking. She detailed ongoing efforts to integrate data and design thinking into service delivery, highlighting international collaboration with the OECD and EU.
Trevor elaborated on the role of design in government, explaining how it helps build empathy, foster collaboration, and drive innovation. He described a range of projects using design-led approaches, such as mapping public service user journeys to identify pain points and streamline processes. He also discussed the government's action plan for design, which includes recruiting more designers, increasing training, and embedding design principles into public service reform.
The discussion touched on broader themes, including public trust in government, the challenges of bureaucratic structures, and the need for multi-disciplinary collaboration. The speakers acknowledged the importance of learning from past experiences, including the COVID-19 response, and the necessity of cultural change within the civil service.
Trevor highlighted the value of small-scale experiments in mitigating risk, while Sarah stressed the need for continuous engagement with stakeholders.
The event concluded with reflections on the future of design in government, the potential for Ireland to become a global leader in design-led innovation, and the need for a holistic approach to public service transformation.
This session of the Policy Seminar series took place on Wednesday, 12 February, where Professor Rob Kitchin (Maynooth University Social Sciences Institute) discussed the approaches he has undertaken in engaging with policymakers across his career. Niall Cussen (Chief Executive Officer, Office of the Planning Regulator) reflected on his experiences of working with Professor Kitchin and other academics and researchers, such as Professor Emeritus Jim Walsh, who also joined the discussion.
The discussion emphasises the importance of fostering connections and engagement between academics, policymakers, and professionals from various disciplines. There is a strong acknowledgement of the challenges posed by the rigid structures of teaching and research, which sometimes limit opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. However, attending conferences, seminars, and networking events—whether virtual or in person—is encouraged as a means to build relationships, exchange knowledge, and explore collaborative research opportunities. The conversation highlights how these interactions, even on a small scale, can lead to larger research collaborations and policy influence.
A key point raised is the strategic organisation of workshops and events. The speakers discuss how hosting events in accessible locations, such as city centres or government buildings, increases participation from key stakeholders, particularly senior policymakers. This approach ensures that knowledge exchange is effective and reaches those who can implement change. The example of an upcoming workshop organised in collaboration with the CSO (Central Statistics Office) illustrates how deliberate planning can facilitate meaningful engagement.
Another major theme in the discussion is the long-term investment in developing high-impact academics. Instead of merely providing short-term training on policy writing or research translation, the focus should be on fostering a lifelong engagement with public policy and academic contribution. This involves mentorship, continuous learning, and cultivating a vision of impact within academia. However, challenges such as high mobility in academic careers mean that institutions must find ways to ensure continuity, despite researchers frequently moving between roles.
The conversation also touches on the broader impact of university networks on various policy areas, such as environmental policy, housing, and education. By maintaining an ongoing culture of engagement, universities can ensure that their influence extends beyond the academic sphere and into real-world decision-making. The discussion concludes with reflections on the values that underpin these efforts—collaboration, long-term investment in people, and the transmission of knowledge across both academia and government. The speakers express appreciation for the open discussion and hope that sharing their experiences will help others navigate similar challenges in their careers.
