ABSTRACT
This chapter identifies strategies to ensure that policy research does not become a "shelf sitter" and strategies to move research more effectively into practice. It demonstrates how research can be optimized for application to practice. At the most basic level, this involves working closely with policy makers to ensure that the content of the research and the information needs of the policy maker align as closely as possible. Policy researchers are not typically in a position to make important policy decisions themselves, but they are in a position to influence policy by conducting credible research that builds knowledge and leads to informed decisions. While a policy researcher cannot be guaranteed that these next steps will be followed, a prescription for next steps can shine light on the researcher's professional opinion and ensure that it is considered in the decision-making process. Policy researchers cannot enforce the responsible interpretation of findings on all purveyors of policy influence.
