Social Science Research and Public Policy: Narrowing the Divide
By Meredith Edwards

Occasional Paper 2/2004 , Policy Paper #2

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This paper, the second in the Academy’s Policy Paper series, examines the relationship between social science research and public policy and its processes, and suggests directions for the best use of research in developing public policy.

The author addresses: the dimension of problems confronting policy makers and researchers as they search for ways to address shortcomings in the research–policy relationship; the different conceptions of the research policy dynamic; examines the policy ‘framework’ in practice, including a case study example of how research and researchers have been used to good effect at various stages in the policy process; and, considers the elements of the research-policy nexus brought together by articulating lessons and more specific suggestions.

Professor Meredith Edwards AM, Director, National Institute for Governance, University of Canberra. Professor Edwards was formerly: Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Canberra; and Deputy Secretary, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. She has also been a Board Member of Dusseldorp Skills Forum, Australian Statistical Advisory Council, Information Industry Development Board (ACT), and The Australia Institute. Her specific interests are in social policy, education policy, public policy processes, and current governance issues.