The Research-Policy Connection: Using Research-Based Evidence to Improve Development Policy, Programs, and Practice (Toronto)

These three modular workshops provided an opportunity for researchers, policy makers and practitioners to learn how to improve the use of research in development policy and practice. They focused on three different audiences:

• researchers wishing to improve the impact of their work on policy and practice;
• policy makers who want to know how to use research-based evidence more effectively; and
• practitioners who want to learn how to incorporate research into their practical projects.

Module 1: Effective Research for Development Policy
In spite of an annual investment by donors of US$3 billion in development research, little is understood about how, when, and why evidence informs policy. This module examined ways in which development research can be executed more effectively to maximize its influence on policy.

Module 2: Evidence and the Policy Making Process
There is an increasing emphasis on evidence-based policy making in developed and developing countries around the world. Module 2 examined ways in which policy makers access research and researchers, what constitutes evidence (it's more than just hard facts!), and how research fits into the policy cycle.

Module 3: Action Research for Maximum Impact
Better application of research and evidence in development policy making can save lives, reduce poverty, and improve quality of life. The final module in this series looked at ways in which action research can lead to greater impact during project implementation, and examined 'good news' case studies in developing countries.