Maximizing researcher–policymaker engagement in global public health

A common misconception that prevails within some research communities postulates that research results ‘speak for themselves’ and are thus sufficient to influence policy. Yet, high-fidelity uptake of research is rarely a passive process; more often, researchers need to actively engage with policymakers. This process of policy engagement strives towards producing robust science that contributes to the betterment of our societies—but it is a process for which many researchers are not adequately trained. If publicly funded research fails to influence policy, many would regard it as falling short of fulfilling its potential value to society. Herein, we provide a framework for research–policymaker engagement, framed around the questions of why, on what, with whom, when, where and how clinical and public-health researchers can and should undertake engagement with policymakers. The views presented in this Perspective are a synthesis of the diverse, collective experience of the authors across global health contexts, supported by real-world illustrative case studies. We provide tangible recommendations for researchers, funders and policymakers to facilitate bridging the gap between evidence and policy.