Bridging the Evidence–Policy Gap: Insights from the UK’s Policy Research Unit Model

Abstract Research evidence often fails to translate into policy and practice, leaving a gap between knowledge and impact. Here we draw on insights from the UK National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Policy Research Units (PRUs) to identify strategies for maximizing the use of research evidence for policy making. Building on previous commissions, NIHR recently invested over £100 million in 20 PRUs across England to tackle pressing health and social care issues, underscoring the importance of evidence-informed policy. Through interviews with Liaison Officers (civil servants who act as a bridge between UK government departments and NIHR-funded academic units) and policy professionals from the UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), we found that successful uptake of research evidence is underpinned by practices within two overarching themes, working together (i.e., early and sustained engagement to ensure relevance, managing expectations, co-production to ensure alignment with policy needs and institutional structures to ensure continuity) and effective communication (i.e., using clear, non-technical language and producing tailored, multi-format outputs to ensure uptake). These findings offer practical guidance for enhancing the impact of research in policy and practice.