Resources

We’ve synthesized the knowledge gained across the network to curate the most useful resources available in bridging the research-practice gap. Click below to explore our how to guides with best practices on everything from being interviewed by reporters to writing effective public comments.

  • Media

  • How To: Best Practices for Engaging the Public on Twitter

    Twitter has become a valuable platform for researchers to increase public engagement and enhance their academic careers. But knowing how to make effective use of the site can be challenging. With these helpful tips, you will be prepared to make effective use of the Twitterverse. Download this free...

  • How To: Best Practices for Pitching an OpEd

    A successful OpEd can open doors to avenues of influence, swaying policymakers and forging valuable professional contacts. These tips can help you identify your goals and audience to construct an effective pitch that gets noticed by opinion editors. Download this free guide to learn more. More...

  • How to: Best Practices for Being Interviewed on a Podcast

    Podcasts are an increasingly popular medium that offers a new way of connecting with an audience. While many of the tips for podcast interviews are similar to TV or radio interviews (check out our tip sheet on radio and TV interviews for more details), there are a few additional things you should...

  • How To: Best Practices for Engaging TV and Radio Interviews

    Interviews for TV or radio can be nerve-wracking, and even experienced interviewees get nervous - but with a bit of practice, you can have a great interview. These helpful tips will prepare you to stay on-message and share your expertise with a wider audience. Download this free guide to learn more...

  • How To: Best Practices for Being Interviewed by Reporters

    Reporters rely on researchers to explain complex issues, and they may contact a researcher for comments on breaking news or for background research on a story. They will turn again and again to scholars who understand their needs and speak in accessible and compelling ways. Download this free guide...

  • How To: Best Practices for Writing a Compelling OpEd

    Opinion pieces are a good tool for building connections with the media, in addition to getting your research into the hands of policymakers and civic leaders. With these helpful tips, you'll be prepared to write and publish an effective OpEd that opens doors to new avenues of influence. Download...

  • How To: Best Practices for Communicating Research Clearly

    The simplest way to explain your idea is usually the best one. Communication with the media, whether in writing, on the phone, or in person, should be as clear as possible. These tips will help those coming from an academic background to get comfortable communicating with non-academic audiences...

  • Membership

  • How to: Best Practices for Writing an SSN Research Brief

    Writing an SSN brief increases the likelihood that your research and expertise will impact policy. Briefs, if used well, can help you connect with policymakers and civic leaders to talk about your research and policy ideas. Each brief either presents core ideas or findings from a book, article...

  • How To: Apply to Join the Scholars Strategy Network

    The Scholars Strategy Network (SSN) connects university-based researchers to journalists, policymakers, and other civic leaders to improve policy and strengthen democracy. The application to join the network has three simple parts: the profile, the orientation call, and the short written...

  • Policy

  • How To: Best Practices for Working with Policymakers

    Overworked and understaffed, policymakers want and need the input and expertise of scholarly experts who know the research in a given area. By developing relationships, building trust, and providing valuable information over time, scholars can become go-to resources and thought-leaders in...

  • How To: Best Practices for Meeting with Policymakers and Staff

    Once you make contact and secure a meeting with a policymaker, it’s important to prepare for that first meeting. Going into a meeting ready to offer resources and learn more about their positions and needs is an essential part of building trust with them. Download this free guide to learn more. More...

  • How To: Best Practices for Giving Legislative Testimony

    Once a bill has been introduced and is making its way through the legislative process, how can you make an impact? One way is by providing legislative testimony in committee hearings. Bills are assigned to committees related to their primary subject matter, and experts are often called in to provide...

  • How To: Best Practices for Building Relationships with Legislators

    One-off contacts can be helpful, but the most fruitful legislative contacts are those that are part of a long-term relationship. With these tips, you can identify legislators with shared interests, build trust, and start making policy impact with your research. Download this free guide to learn more...

  • How To: Best Practices for Writing Influential Policy Fact Sheets

    Policy should be informed by the best available research. However, legislators are generalists who are asked to consider policies on a dizzying array of topics. Fact sheets can help provide the key points of policy-relevant research quickly and with clear implications for action. Download this free...

  • How To: Best Practices for Answering Pressing Policy Questions

    Research is most likely to be used in policymaking when it answers a specific question. Often, these specific questions from decision-makers can be answered with existing research. To assist decision-makers in finding and synthesizing high-quality research, SSN members round up and distill existing...

  • How To: Best Practices for Writing Effective Public Comments

    Public comments can bring research and expertise to bear on legislative decision making, proposed rule changes, and other important policy discussions. In many cases, executive bodies are required to read every comment before implementing a proposed regulation change. Download this free guide to...

  • How To: Best Practices for Writing Useful Policy Talking Points

    Talking points are short, jargon-free nuggets of information that civic leaders can use when speaking on an issue. They can help provide key findings from policy-relevant research in a quick and concrete format, with clear implications for action. Download this free guide to learn more. More...