ABSTRACT
Researchers are generally reluctant to dwell on the subject of how research, or the findings from research, may be used to inform or modify policy or its practice. This is coupled with an unwillingness among researchers to share their experiences of disseminating research, or of actively seeking ways to insert their findings into the policy process with a view to shaping events. Such reticence among researchers could be a reflection of their belief that while using research findings to influence policy and practice may be a legitimate pursuit it is not one that sits easily alongside the desire for academic impartiality and scientific detachment. Researchers of this opinion may feel that such a task rightfully belongs to others. It is not for the researcher to champion his or her findings, or to attempt to get these enacted - his/her brief ends upon the submission of the final report to the funding agency or contractor. It is for others to pick up the findings and run with them. There is also an unstated assumption that if the findings are good enough then action of some sort will automatically follow (for a more extensive review of these arguments see Ham and Hill, 1984, Chapter 1).
