Chapter 12: Communicating with Policymakers

If we want research to work for the public good, it is essential to communicate the research to policymakers. In the following chapters in this book, different types of publications and media outlets explain the high value of converting research language from jargon to plain speech, translating complex theories into metaphors, and turning data points into stories that policymakers can present to the legislators for discussion and consideration. This chapter precedes the others because it takes a step back to discuss the complicated task of how to communicate with policymakers from the start of a study, thereby involving policymakers as collaborators in the research process.