Collaborating across academia and local government: augmenting the use of academically produced evidence.

Abstract

In the UK, increasing attention is being given to strengthening the use of academically produced evidence within local government. Recent investment from the National Institute for Health and Care Research has supported various initiatives designed to foster closer collaboration between universities and local authorities. This includes the Health Determinants Research Collaborations (HDRCs) and a separate researcher-in-residence programme focused on social care. While existing literatures explore research-practice partnerships, embedded research, knowledge mobilisation and evidence use, there remains considerable value in sharing reflections emerging from these recently funded forms of collaboration. Drawing on experiences within one HDRC and from a researcher-in-residence, this reflective article examines efforts to strengthen engagement with academically produced evidence within the public health and social care functions of local government. In reflecting on these experiences, we draw on a conceptual framework which emphasises the importance of capacity, motivation and opportunity in shaping engagement with research evidence. We organise our reflections around three themes: (1) developing engagement with academically produced evidence; (2) negotiating time, pace and policy pressures; and (3) communication, language and professional cultures. Across these areas, we identify recurring tensions and challenges that emerge when academia and local government work together, while also highlighting practical strategies that may strengthen engagement with research evidence. Our experiences suggest that effective collaboration depends not only on producing robust research findings, but also on sustained engagement with research processes, shared expectations around time and policy relevance, and accessible forms of communication.