Building Bridges

During my GUDTP doctoral journey at The Open University, I was fortunate to complete a six-month fellowship with the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST), starting in January 2024. This unique experience offered a firsthand look at the policymaking process and gave me the opportunity to apply my academic skills in a non-academic setting. Here, I reflect on my journey, from motivations and project outcomes to personal growth and the broader impact of my placement.

Motivation Behind the Fellowship

I applied for a UKRI Policy Fellowship at POST for two reasons. Firstly, I wanted to understand how academic research informs public policy and law. Specifically, I wanted to understand how evidence-based policy making unfolds in real time and how MPs and Peers engage with the scientific advice they receive. A placement at POST provides PhD candidates with a fantastic opportunity to gain practical experience outside academia, develop transferable skills, and establish a network within the policymaking community.

Secondly, I wanted direct experience of working on the Parliamentary Estate in Westminster. My PhD research draws on the knowledge and experiences of parliamentarians in the environmental law-making process. I was delighted to be offered a six-month part-time placement in Westminster that would allow me to not only hone my research and communication skills but also to learn to navigate the Parliamentary Estate. I have since returned to collect interview data for my PhD since completing my fellowship.

Aims and Objectives of the Fellowship at POST

The primary objective of my POST Fellowship was to produce a POSTnote—a concise, accessible 3500-word research briefing aimed at MPs and Peers that is also of interest to a broader policymaking audience beyond Westminster and Whitehall. My topic, ‘Trust in News Providers’, examined reported trends, the factors influencing trust, and potential policy interventions for improving trust in news media.

This was a media and communications policy project and therefore not aligned with my own academic interests in ecology, geography and law. Although Fellows are not placed in their field of expertise, the placement does provide a platform to influence policy discussions on an issue of societal importance.

Key Activities

The placement was dynamic, well structured and it moved at pace. It began with a deep dive into the existing literature, followed by stakeholder engagement and evidence gathering. I received input from a broad range of stakeholders, interviewing around 20 experts, ranging from academics to industry professionals to ensure my POSTnote was well grounded in diverse perspectives. Writing and refining the 3,500-word peer-reviewed briefing required close collaboration with my POST supervisor and other POST and Library team members, as well as feedback from external reviewers including the POST Board.

Deliverables and Outcomes

I began my 26-week fellowship in January 2024 during the previous Conservative Government. On 22 May 2024, I was at a joint knowledge exchange event with the OU Societal Challenges Programme and POST when the snap election was called. Parliament, together with all its offices including the Library Services and POST, went into ‘purdah’. This meant that my POSTnote was effectively put on hold as collaboration with stakeholders was no longer permitted until the new Government had been elected.

Although my fellowship continued, my POSTnote had to wait until it could be externally reviewed. The delay meant I left POST before the note’s publication. After I had returned to the OU, POST kindly invited me to attend the final sign off meeting and PN 727: Trust in News Providers was published online during recess in August.

It has since been made available in print across the Parliamentary Estate ensuring accessibility for MPs, Peers, and their staff. I hope that my POSTnote has sparked their interest and that it will go on to inform their contribution to future Parliamentary debates and Committee inquiries. You can read the full POSTnote here and view its promotion on social media here and here.

Interactions and Collaboration

Collaboration was central to my fellowship experience. I worked closely with POST staff and benefited from regular supervision meetings, where I received constructive feedback. Interactions with the POSTnote stakeholders have enriched my own research experience and helped me to hone my communication skills. Although much of my work was independent, being part of a wider cohort of fellows from across a broad range of disciplines and institutions created a supportive environment for sharing insights and navigating challenges.

Personal and Professional Development

The placement has, to some extent, shaped my career aspirations. Before the placement, I did not know whether I wanted to work in a Whitehall department or in Westminster or across Parliament more generally. I now have a clearer idea of where my PhD research and skills may be useful, and how and where I could apply them. I would also note that beyond gaining policy making insights, I have turbocharged my project management and communication skills, which will enhance how I approach my PhD project going forward.

Reflections on Knowledge Exchange

One of the most rewarding aspects of this fellowship was the opportunity to bridge the gap between academia and policy. Translating complex research into digestible content for policymakers can be both challenging and impactful. It underscored the importance of clear communication and adaptability, skills all researchers need in order to progress in their career.

However, knowledge exchange is not without its challenges. Policymakers often operate under tight timelines and require concise, often actionable insights—a stark contrast to the depth and nuance valued in academia. Balancing these demands was an important part of my development.

Broader Impact and Future Directions

Although written for a parliamentary audience, the impact of a POSTnote extends beyond Parliament. By raising awareness about trust in news, my work at POST will contribute to broader societal conversations about media literacy and misinformation. For those considering a POST fellowship, my advice is to embrace the challenge of communicating research in new ways. It’s an opportunity to grow as a researcher and to contribute meaningfully to the policymaking process.

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