[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(12,2,2,0.5) 0%|rgba(10,0,0,0.33) 99%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/pearl.reading.ac.uk\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/parliament-317085_1280.jpg” min_height=”50vh” custom_css_main_element=”display: flex;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_font_size=”90px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”60px” header_2_font=”|800|||||||” header_2_font_size=”50px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”20px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
We all need decision makers including politicians, practitioners and others with influence, to make evidence-based choices in the policies that affect our lives. Scientists and researchers throughout their careers are in a position to engage with this process by actively sharing \u00a0the vital knowledge and information they generate.<\/p>\n
The Pearl Academy is running \u00a0its \u2019Engaging with Decision Makers<\/em><\/strong>\u2019 (EwDM)<\/strong> course in 2025 \u00a0drawing on The Pearl\u2019s work in the UK and international policy arena.<\/p>\n EwDM is a \u00a0structured programme<\/strong>\u00a0of facilitated in-person training taking place over six 3-hour sessions. <\/strong>At the end of the programme participants are equipped with practical tools to support their engagement with the policy process, covering: research design; \u00a0maximising policy impact; targeted communication across stakeholder groups and other academic disciplines; and media work.<\/p>\n The theme running through the course is : \u2018Achieving Policy Impact through your Research\u2019 and involves work on the following topics:<\/p>\n For each of these headline topics, participants will take away one practical tool and one mini guide, so they complete the course with enhanced understanding of policy processes and relevant entry points.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=” When?” image=”https:\/\/pearl.reading.ac.uk\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Participants-scaled.jpg” alt=”Participants attending the training” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_color=”#554596″ header_font_size=”22px” custom_padding=”5px|10px|5px|10px|true|true” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 2026 Dates:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0All sessions are running from 12:30-16:30 pm<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb image=”https:\/\/pearl.reading.ac.uk\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/EwDM-registration-form-link.jpg” alt=”registration form QR code. Link: https:\/\/forms.office.com\/e\/jYL5tAj3Vw ” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_color=”#554596″ custom_padding=”5px|10px|5px|10px|false|true” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Scan the QR code to register. Read our cancellation policy carefully.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/pearl.reading.ac.uk\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/EwDM-2026-a.jpg” alt=”Poster of the Engaging with Decision Makers Training ” title_text=”EwDM 2026 a” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_spread=”2px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/pearl.reading.ac.uk\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/EwDM-2026-b.jpg” alt=”poster for the engaging with decision makers training.” title_text=”EwDM 2026 b” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ disabled_on=”on|on|on” _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” disabled=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Guest speaker for May 2025″ image=”https:\/\/pearl.reading.ac.uk\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/400×400-website-size-photos-1.png” alt=”Dr. Pete Falloon” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_color=”#90243E” header_font_size=”22px” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”12px|12px|12px|12px|true|true” border_radii=”on|4px|4px|4px|4px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We are delighted to welcome a guest speaker, Dr Pete Falloon<\/strong>, who will provide direct, real-world insight into this topic, through the lens of climate science in the UK government policy process.\u00a0 Dr Pete Falloon\u00a0 leads the Met Office Hadley Centre \u2018Climate Service for Defra on Food, Farming and Natural Environment\u2019.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Decision Makers Expert Panel” image=”https:\/\/pearl.reading.ac.uk\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Panel-of-Experts-Session-6-EwDM-training.jpg” alt=”Panel of Experts – Session 6 EwDM training” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”12px|12px|12px|12px|false|false” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n For our last session we invited an expert panel discussion featuring voices from government, academia, and civil society. Nikhil Kapila (DEFRA), Alice Mpofu-Coles (Mayor of Reading and University of Reading Researcher), Aashna Patel (Welsh Government), Ben Wilson (SCIAF), and Ian Wilson (Deloitte) shared candid insights into how researchers can better connect with policy makers. From simplifying complex science to understanding institutional constraints, the panel offered practical advice and answered questions in a lively Q&A session.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Panel Discussion” image=”https:\/\/pearl.reading.ac.uk\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/EwDM-Panel-Speakers.jpg” alt=”photo of 4 panel speakers for the EwDM training” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_color=”#90243E” header_font_size=”22px” custom_padding=”12px|12px|12px|12px|true|true” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We will also convene an impressive panel of \u00a0external speakers who will provide their insights and experience relating to the policy making process. Panel members represented the UK\u00a0 climate-policy advocacy sector, Climate action in the UN through the UNHCR,\u00a0 climate adaptation work in the consultancy sector and international humanitarian work.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” max_width=”2560px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_slider arrows_custom_color=”#666666″ dot_nav_custom_color=”#666666″ _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_color=”#666666″ custom_padding=”60px||60px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_slide heading=”I very much enjoyed…” _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#000000″ body_font=”|300|||||||” background_color=”rgba(160,142,81,0.08)” background_enable_color=”on” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”20px” button_text_color=”#999999″ custom_css_slide_title=”display: none;” custom_css_slide_description=”text-shadow: none;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n \u201c(The most valuable aspects of the training were) \u2026learning new tools outside of lab work. Gaining insight into the other side of research and how you can create impact. Some knowledge on policy, co-production, stakeholder mapping, pathways to impact and the enabling environment. I enjoyed the interview training and personalised feedback.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Participant Researcher<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”It all linked…” _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#000000″ body_font=”|300|||||||” background_color=”rgba(160,142,81,0.08)” background_enable_color=”on” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”20px” button_text_color=”#999999″ custom_css_slide_title=”display: none;” custom_css_slide_description=”text-shadow: none;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n \u201cIt has broadened my mind to areas of science outside my research and future career prospects. It has also made me think more about the impact of my research.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Participant Researcher<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”It has broaden my mind…” _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#000000″ body_font=”|300|||||||” background_color=”rgba(160,142,81,0.08)” background_enable_color=”on” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”20px” button_text_color=”#999999″ custom_css_slide_title=”display: none;” custom_css_slide_description=”text-shadow: none;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n “It has broadened my mind to areas of science outside my research and future career prospects. It has also made me think more about the impact of my research<\/span><\/span>.<\/span>“<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Participant Researcher<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”I learnt about…” _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#000000″ body_font=”|300|||||||” background_color=”rgba(160,142,81,0.08)” background_enable_color=”on” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”20px” button_text_color=”#999999″ custom_css_slide_title=”display: none;” custom_css_slide_description=”text-shadow: none;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n \u201cI will definitely integrate a lot of the tips and tricks that I was taught in the lesson – I particularly like the conversation around talking about our project to the general non-expert public, I believe that will be very useful whenever I have to engage with decision makers.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Participant Researcher<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”I learnt about…” _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#000000″ body_font=”|300|||||||” background_color=”rgba(160,142,81,0.08)” background_enable_color=”on” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”20px” button_text_color=”#999999″ custom_css_slide_title=”display: none;” custom_css_slide_description=”text-shadow: none;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n \u201cEven though I am not a climate researcher all the example and case studies given I could relate to in my research.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n Participant Researcher<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”60px” header_2_font=”|800|||||||” header_2_font_size=”50px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_contact_form use_spam_service=”on” recaptcha_list=”Default|Default-0″ email=”academy@walker.ac.uk” custom_message=”A new message has been sent via the COP CAS webpage:||et_pb_line_break_holder||||et_pb_line_break_holder||From: %%name%%||et_pb_line_break_holder||Their email: %%email%%” _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” _unique_id=”3d600791-91af-4ee9-8466-0620178c80ea” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_color=”#4B4354″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_contact_field field_id=”Name” field_title=”Name” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” 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makers including politicians, practitioners and others with influence, to make evidence-based choices in the policies that affect our lives. Scientists and researchers throughout their careers are in a position to engage with this process by actively sharing \u00a0the vital knowledge and information they […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2313","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n
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