The planning, management and communication of research to inform environmental policy making and regulation: an empirical study of current practices in Europe

Despite a range of initiatives over the last 10 years to enhance the use of science in policy-making by the European Commission and by governments in individual European Union member states, concerns remain that the substantial investments made in research on environmental issues are not as effective as they could be in supporting an evidence-informed approach to environmental policy-making and regulation. The empirical study summarised in this article set out to establish whether shortcomings in the planning, management and communication of research commissioned by governmental ministries and agencies are contributing to this ineffectiveness, and to identify how problem areas can be addressed. Specific issues addressed are the planning and management of research, communication of research results to end-users, the roles of interpreters and intermediaries, engagement with stakeholders, and the evaluation of research uptake and impact. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.