Innovation in Wales

How best to develop more policy trials and integrate research into policy making has been the theme of a one-day seminar at the University.

Hosted by the Centre for the Development and Evaluation of Complex Interventions for Public Health Improvement (DECIPHer) in the School of Social Sciences, the event brought together policy makers, practitioners and researchers to discuss and develop evidence-based policy.

Discussion focused on case studies of rigorous Welsh policy trials led by DECIPHer including: the National Exercise Referral Scheme, School Breakfast Study, the Alcohol Policy and Social Norms Project and the Strengthening Families Programme.

The day also addressed broader issues about the challenges of the relationship between research and policy making, drawing together up-to-date social science theory and models on how evidence is used in policy, and systems and structures which promote evidence use.

Speaking about the event, Dr Simon Murphy of the School of Social Sciences said: "This event was held as part of the Economic and Social Research Council's (ESRC) Festival of Social Science and recognises the strong track record we have in Wales of developing and facilitating policy trials. It's hoped that events such as this can highlight methods that could be drawn upon across the UK and more widely."

DECIPHer brings together leading experts from a range of disciplines to tackle public health issues with a particular focus on developing and evaluating multi-level interventions that will have an impact on the health and well-being of children and young people. The ESRC Festival of Social Science runs between the 3 – 10 November 2012 and aims to increase awareness of the contributions the social sciences make to the wellbeing and the economy of the UK society.