Science and policy

Our objective is to make Finland the world’s leading country in evidence-informed policymaking.

Promoting the policy impact of research and meaningful science-policy interaction

The Finnish Academy of Science and Letters brings together the Finnish science-for-policy actors. Our goal is to ensure the effective utilisation of research in policymaking. We also look to enable interaction between researchers and policymakers which is based on mutual understanding and trust.

As knowledge brokers, we mediate between researchers and policymakers. We create channels to communicate research to policymaking and platforms for interaction between researchers and policymakers. We use co-productive practices in our work, for instance, in delineating knowledge needs with ministry civil servants and in science-policy workshops.

We work closely with international knowledge brokering organisations and represent Finland in various international science-for-policy networks. Our partners include, the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), Scientific Advice Mechanism (SAM), and the International Network for Government Science Advice (INGSA).

8 experts work at the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters in tasks related to knowledge brokering. You can find our contact information here.

Supporting evidence-informed policymaking has been one of the Academy’s main objectives since its establishment. We continue the development and innovation work started in Sofi Science Advice Initiative of Finland (2019–2021).

What is knowledge brokering?

In our work, knowledge brokering means the following:

1. We synthesize research knowledge and mediate science-policy interaction

  • We compile, translate and summarise research knowledge and researchers’ expertise to policymakers. Read more about our knowledge synthesis here.
  • We organise and facilitate platforms of close interaction between researchers and policymakers. Read more about out Science sparring here.

2. We develop the field of evidence-informed policymaking in the Finnish context

  • We promote collaboration between knowledge brokers and initiate discussions on the field’s challenges and future directions.
  • We support capacity development and learning among researchers, knowledge brokers and policymakers. Read more about some examples of this work here.
  • We participate in the international community of science-for-policy actors and share best practices.
  • We innovate and pilot new written, digital and interaction-based concepts and practices.

The Knowledge Brokers’ Network brings science-for-policy experts together

Local development of research impact requires long-term work, an essential part of which is discussing ideas, practices, and needs of knowledge brokering among experts in similar roles.

We coordinate the national Knowledge Brokers’ Network, which brings together knowledge brokers from many different organizations to share their expertise and discuss their experiences. The network meets biannually.

If you want more information about the Knowledge Brokers’ Network or to add your address to the network’s mailing list, contact our expert: tommi.karkkainen@acadsci.fi.

Contact us and follow our work!

Interested in knowledge brokering or collaborating with us? Feel free to contact our experts: sciencepolicy@acadsci.fi.

Follow our work on our LinkedIn page (only selected posts in English).