This report summarises the findings of a study, which examined how the results of environmental research are interpreted to inform the policy-making of government departments and agencies. Recommendations that may improve this process are presented.
The original study was undertaken in 2006, the final report 
(1·38MB) of the study is available to download.
The report discusses:
- Advantages and disadvantages of methods used to source information, (e.g. commissioning research, literature searches and obtaining verbal advice).
- The people involved in interpreting information and the issues that they face.
Recommendations are made to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of interpretation for policy; these cover the areas of incentives, skills, collaboration, evaluation and good practice.
The main recommendations include:
- Sufficient incentives are required to encourage policy personnel to use scientific findings and researchers to undertake policy research.
- Development of increased networking opportunities for policy and research personnel.
- Development of an electronic database to facilitate searches for relevant contacts.
- Training should be provided for those involved in interpretation. Policy people need to become 'intelligent research users' and researchers efficient at recognising policy needs and presenting their work accordingly.
- Increase collaboration to fund reviews of:
- cross-cutting policy issues and
- research to meet shared needs.
- ERFF members should share their experiences in evaluating commissioned research in terms of its usefulness to the organisation.
- When commissioning research, a section interpreting the findings for policy, should be included in the final report.