Creating the policymakers lab
Associate Professor Mattie Toma’s engagement with government emerged organically from her research interest. As an Associate Professor in the Behavioural Science Group at the University of Warwick, her work focuses on behavioural and experimental economics – specifically, how policy makers make decisions and use evidence.
Recognising that while academic engagement supports the development of evidence-based decision-making, gaps remain in how well academics understand the practical application of that evidence within the policymaking process. As a result, Mattie took the initiative to create the Policymakers Lab – a platform designed to connect researchers with policymakers through short, targeted surveys.
“I wanted to go directly to the source to understand how decisions are made and how research can genuinely support that process,” Mattie explained. The lab was built with accessibility and impact in mind: surveys are brief to respect policy makers’ time, and participants receive early access to results and toolkits. For Mattie, it was about “making the evidence generation process come full circle.”
Transforming evidence into action
Mattie’s work explores how to make academic evidence more usable for policy makers. She highlighted tools like impact calculators and side-by-side comparisons of programmes as ways to reduce complexity and improve uptake.
“We’re testing how academics can communicate more effectively – what formats work, what doesn’t.”
One early finding was that policy makers prefer two-page briefs over lengthy papers, and Mattie is currently testing the extent to which this is anticipated by academics. Her lab is studying how researchers can adapt their communication styles to better serve policy needs and encouraging them to produce short, actionable summaries alongside traditional papers.
Challenges in building bridges
While researchers were eager to engage, Mattie found that raising awareness among policy makers was more challenging than expected. Her goal was to ensure broad representation across policy areas and geographies, and she actively worked to meet with policy communities to build momentum.
Despite these challenges, the lab has already engaged policy makers from 16 different countries, sparking new conversations and collaborations.
Lasting impact
Although still in its early stages, the Policymakers Lab is already influencing how evidence is shared with, and used by, the Civil Service. Mattie has seen teams experimenting with tools such as impact calculators in their policy briefs. She also shared that “it’s prompted conversations that neither side were anticipating.” These discussions are shaping ideas for future initiatives, from improving how evidence is communicated to embedding practices that make evidence use easier and more routine.
Looking ahead, Mattie hopes the lab will help strengthen and further increase the use of evidence across government. “The UK is doing a great job on this front – we’re building toward a norm where research is embedded in decision-making.”
Advice for academics
Reflecting on her experience, Mattie encourages other academics to be proactive and clear in their communication when engaging with policy makers.
“Clearly communicate your research goals and findings,” she advised. “Don’t be afraid to reach out – cold emails can work! And remember, academic-policy collaborations are incredibly rewarding too. You get to see theory translated into practice, and that’s powerful.”
