8 Lessons on How Researchers Can Collaborate with Practitioners to Build Evidence that Matters

Session Submission Type: Workshop

Abstract

Academic research has the power to inform, shape, and strengthen public programs—especially when it’s done in close partnership with the people making decisions on the ground. This workshop is designed for researchers who want to engage more deeply with practitioners and policymakers to co-produce research that leads to meaningful change.

Led by a group of experienced professionals working across academia, government, and policy support organizations, this session will distill lessons in eight key areas for building collaborative research partnerships that are rigorous, relevant, and responsive to real-world needs. Participants will explore how to initiate and sustain partnerships, co-develop questions rooted in decision-making needs, and navigate the dynamic context in which applied research unfolds.

The session will draw on real examples of successful (and challenging) collaborations, offering lessons in 8 key areas that work to build and sustain researcher-practitioner partnerships. Areas to be explored include important considerations in launching partnerships, such as having policy decisions and community voice help drive research aims, to sustaining partnerships all the way through to communicating about unexpected results. Throughout, the workshop will highlight how equity-based approaches can be integrated into applied work and research partnerships.

Rather than a step-by-step how-to, this workshop offers a candid, experience-based look at what it takes to do applied research that matters—emphasizing collaboration, trust and respect, mutual benefit, and the long-term value of learning together. Through discussion and audience engagement, participants will reflect on how they can build relationships that both honor their disciplinary expertise and make space for the equally critical knowledge held by practitioners and communities.

Whether you're just beginning to explore applied work or are seeking to deepen your existing partnerships, this workshop will leave you with practical guidance and renewed inspiration for research that makes a difference.

Policy Area

• Workshops

Moderator

• Dr. Oliver M. Thomas, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

Organizer

• Regina Gesicki, University of Notre Dame

Speakers

• Carrie S Cihak, King County

• Patrick S Turner, University of Notre Dame

• Jenni W. Owen, Duke University

• Kalila Jackson-Spieker, J-PAL North America (MIT)