Transform Your Research into Real-World Impact — Here’s How. Many researchers produce brilliant studies that unfortunately never reach policymakers or organizations that could benefit from them. Why? Dense academic writing, lengthy papers, or limited publication options often stand in the way. But here’s where it gets exciting — the United Nations University (UNU)-MERIT is offering a fully online capacity-building course titled How to Communicate Research through Policy Briefs, designed to bridge that gap and turn academic insight into actionable influence.
About the Course
Hosted by the Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (UNU-MERIT), this programme guides participants in transforming formal research outputs — theses, journal papers, and technical articles — into concise, accessible, and compelling policy briefs. The course is tailored for academics, researchers, and professionals who wish to make their work visible beyond the university walls. By focusing on clarity, relevance, and accessibility, learners will acquire the ability to frame research findings in ways that resonate with decision-makers, organizations, and public stakeholders.
Purpose and Methodology
This practice-based course takes a hands-on approach to professional policy writing. Participants don’t just learn the theory — they actively craft briefs that meet professional standards. Through guided exercises, they will learn to distill complex research into key policy messages and prepare outputs suitable for sharing across digital and professional networks.
The course goes beyond writing techniques. It demonstrates how effective dissemination can amplify research impact, spark policy conversations, and influence real-world decisions. Learners will come to see their research not as an end in itself, but as a catalyst for societal and institutional change. And this is the part most people overlook — communication is as critical to impact as the research itself.
What You’ll Learn
By the end of the programme, participants will be able to:
- Understand different modes and objectives of research dissemination.
- Convert academic studies or theses into structured, easy-to-read policy briefs.
- Apply the key criteria that define successful policy communication.
- Strengthen writing skills tailored specifically for policy and advocacy contexts.
- Evaluate peers’ policy briefs and provide constructive editorial feedback.
- Identify and pursue channels for publishing and sharing policy briefs after completion.
Cost, Workload, and Duration
The course fee is 50 EUR, making it accessible for professionals and students alike. The estimated total workload is 25 hours, broken down into:
- 7 contact hours in live, interactive sessions.
- 18 hours for individual assignments and the final brief.
Running over 10 weeks, the course structure includes:
- 1 week for onboarding and getting familiar with the digital platform.
- 3 weeks of interactive learning and coursework, including three live sessions and one major assignment.
- 1 subsequent week for revisions or resubmissions.
The remaining time accommodates administrative steps and flexible pacing for participants.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and have a completed or nearly completed research paper or thesis, which will serve as the foundation for their policy brief. This approach ensures that each participant works with meaningful, relevant material from their own academic journey.
Certification
Upon successful course completion, participants earn an official online educational certificate, representing a workload equivalent to 2 ECTS credits — a valuable credential for both academic and professional profiles.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted through an online form. Required uploads include:
- Curriculum Vitae (PDF format)
- Copy of a valid passport (PDF or JPEG)
Once the application is submitted, candidates receive a confirmation email along with payment details. Registration is only finalized after payment is received, at which point the Online Courses Administration Team will reach out for next steps. The full process typically takes 5–10 working days.
For questions about the application procedure, candidates can contact the Capacity Development Office directly at the provided official email address.
Payment Options
Tuition payments can be made via credit card through a secure payment link. Applicants who prefer or require an alternative method can request bank transfer details by contacting the administrative team with their name, selected course, and intended start date. Keep in mind that bank transfers may take longer to process.
Please note that UNU-MERIT does not offer scholarships or fee waivers for this online programme.
Meet the Instructor
The course is directed by Dr. Mindel van de Laar, the Head of UNU-MERIT’s Capacity Development Office. With deep expertise in bridging research and policy, Dr. van de Laar brings years of experience in training, research communication, and policymaker engagement. Her guidance ensures each participant gains not just technical skill but also strategic understanding of how ideas move from paper to practice.
About UNU-MERIT
Situated in Maastricht, the Netherlands, UNU-MERIT forms part of the wider United Nations University network. It functions as both a research institute and a training center, focusing on global innovation, governance, and social development. The institute’s courses and research are designed to help students and professionals worldwide connect scholarly knowledge with practical problem-solving.
UNU-MERIT’s approach underscores the idea that knowledge must be shared to matter. Through policy engagement, global collaborations, and evidence-based research, it actively supports the mission of the UNU system — advancing sustainable solutions and shaping informed public policy.
Stay Connected and Get Involved
For continuous updates on UNU courses, research discoveries, and international opportunities, interested individuals can subscribe to the UNU INSIGHTS monthly newsletter. The university also maintains active communities on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, WhatsApp, and Telegram for engagement and networking.
Visit the official UNU-MERIT website to apply: https://unu.edu/merit/course/how-communicate-research-through-policy-briefs
A quick reminder — Global South Opportunities (GSO) shares this opportunity for visibility but is not the awarding institution. Applicants should contact and apply through UNU-MERIT directly.
What do you think — should universities place more emphasis on teaching how to communicate research, not just conduct it? Does academic knowledge lose power if it never reaches the people who need it most? Share your thoughts below — the debate is wide open.
