| Guest blog | Strategies to engage in global policy and practice as a young scientist in water management

Written by Dr Abishek S Narayan, Researcher at Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, following the workshop on Science-Policy Interface for Scientists: An (Inter)national Perspective, organised by Swiss Young Academy in cooperation with the Geneva Science​-​Policy Interface and Reatch in May 2024. This is the second of a two-part Blog series exploring the challenges of and strategies for engaging in global policy and practice as a young scientist.

Based on an exercise in a workshop organised by the Swiss Young Academy, the Geneva Science-Policy Interface, and Reatch, I reflected on my journey within the science-policy interface, serving as a 'boundary spanner' in various forms over the years in the field of water for development. I have been an academic collaborator, a consultant, an advisory board member, and a member of expert commissions in global policy and practice.

Therefore, this reflection piece leverages some of the frameworks presented at the workshop by the GSPI to provide overarching, domain-agnostic strategies for early-career scientists to engage in the Science Policy Interface (SPI).

As a young scientist, especially one working on policy-relevant topics that address the myriad global challenges, one may find science-policy misfits hard to reconcile. However, having seen the interface from both ends, I am convinced there is enough interest from both sides to bridge this gap. From a scientist’s perspective, these strategies could provide a starting point for closing the gap from one end, leading to a satisfying and impactful scientific process. Based on my own experience and the tips provided by the GSPI at the workshop, here are a few insights I have gained in the field of water for development.

1. Ascertain your interest in engagement in the science-policy interface.
This requires efforts in directions that the scientific community does not always recognise and reward. Therefore, it is important to be certain of your core motivation for engaging in this space. In my case, I was motivated by the desire to provide reliable evidence and solutions for policy and practice; thus, I consciously decided to engage in this area despite the extra effort it required and the limited recognition it may receive in the scientific domain.

2. Identify research questions with policy and practice relevance.
The first step in defining your research needs to start with scoping demands for evidence and solutions from the policy and practice side. This could be informed by high-level global reports or conversations with practitioners. In the research projects I engage in, I ensure that there are formal or informal mechanisms to maintain relevance. In a current research project that I manage on planning water services synergistically, we have an international advisory board with representatives from academia, UN agencies, NGOs, etc., who keep our project directions in check. Similarly, we also work closely with partners, including local governments and community stakeholders, to contextualise the research questions.

3. Understand the relevant multilateral policy processes and institutional systems.
Almost any globally relevant research topic involves multilateral processes occurring at the highest international levels. It is important to be aware of the institutions, policies, treaties, conventions, programmes, resolutions, etc., established in that space. The Sustainable Development Goals Framework is one overarching framework where specific targets and custodian agencies can be identified for individual research areas. In my case of water governance, I found the work of UN Water, a coordinating agency for global efforts, to be highly useful since they track and curate key developments in the field on one common platform. Similar global platforms exist for a number of other development agendas.

4. Attend key conferences, webinars, and other opportunities in the science-policy interface.
For any given topic, there are scientific conferences, practitioner expos, and meetings, as well as a small number of SPI events. Identify and attend these events by any means possible. In a post-COVID world, many such opportunities are online and therefore widely accessible. In the water sector, I found World Water Week in Stockholm to be an excellent avenue for bringing diverse stakeholders together. Events by the International Water Association and the Sustainable Sanitation Alliance are other prominent SPI examples.

5. Build a network of relevant people in the interface and the policy side.
Slowly and steadily, build your network of policy and practice professionals, as well as intermediary actors working in the SPI. Build relationships and trust over time, and engage with them in diverse forums, thereby enhancing your own reputation. For example, my consistent efforts in communicating my research on LinkedIn, Twitter, and other blogs helped me grow an audience online and engage with this network when I met them in person at various events. These interactions then led to invitations to present at SPI events, including lunch seminars and capacity development workshops at international development organisations.

6. Become part of academic and professional networks.
Most fields have some form of practice networks and membership bodies that are active at the national and international levels. There is value in being part of these networks, as they bring actors closer together and make valuable opportunities known, or even potentially create new ones. There are several youth-focused networks and young professional chapters, such as the Swiss Water Partnership Youth and the International Water Association Young Professional Chapters in various countries, which provide an easy entry point to gain exposure and opportunities to engage in the SPI.

7. Communicate your science in appropriate ways.
As scientists, we are often taught to communicate solely with other scientists in our own field through journal articles. However, more support and training in science communication now exist. Communicating science to other relevant audiences in the SPI can be a good low-hanging fruit. Firstly, young scientists must build their skills in understanding the why's and how's of science communication. Thereafter, we need to ensure that every policy-relevant paper published, with a little extra effort, is accompanied by another output dedicated to policymakers, such as a policy brief, an explainer video, or even a blog article. This way, your research work has a better chance of reaching the relevant audience, and your reputation in the field will build as well. I regularly recommend to my colleagues and students that they publish their work on platforms such as Onewater to increase the visibility and reach of their research.

8. Engage through feedback provision, internships, collaborations, and consultancies.
There are several opportunities in the multilateral system for scientists to engage. Most UN bodies have open feedback and consultative mechanisms where you can engage openly. For example, UN DESA’s SDG page regularly invites feedback on various topics from diverse stakeholders. In some cases, when your research is highly relevant to current policy challenges, you may be invited to expert commissions and meetings to directly influence global policymaking. I recently had such an opportunity to be part of an expert group advising the review process of SDG 11 on sustainable cities.

Internships for early-career researchers, particularly PhDs, are possible in a wide range of institutions. Many opportunities can be created through funded academic research to inform specific questions that policy and practice professionals grapple with. In Switzerland, the Solutions-Oriented Research for Development (SOR4D) is one such example. Finally, open consultancies are yet another way to directly engage with global policymaking. I have undertaken consultancies with the World Bank, UN agencies, and international NGOs, which not only helped me contribute to policymaking and practice, but also regularly reoriented my research directions towards impact.

Engaging at the science-policy interface has been profoundly rewarding and impactful in my journey as an early-career scientist. For scientists working to address global challenges, actively participating in the science-policy interface in whatever capacity they can, presents opportunities to create a positive impact. By focusing on relevant research, building networks, communicating effectively, and participating in global forums, young scientists can help bridge the gap between science and policy.  

Dr. Abishek S. Narayan also published an earlier blog discussing the challenges young scientists face, from which these strategies emerged. Read the full blog on science-policy challenges in water management here.

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