The contribution of scientific research to policy making is needed now more than ever in order to help governments improve the lives of citizens and navigate a wide array of pressing sustainability issues, from energy transitions to food security. Yet, forging successful relationships between science and policy is not easy. This course will offer students the theory and practical knowledge to think about and operate more effectively at the science-policy interface. It will introduce students to current research from the fields of knowledge exchange and research impact, as well as develop practical strategies for enhancing tangible impacts from scientific research. The course will allow students to develop skills in synthesising scientific knowledge focusing on contemporary sustainability issues and producing engagement outputs for a policy audience.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Recognise and adopt key principles underpinning successful knowledge exchange between scientific and policy communities;
2. Synthesise scientific knowledge on contemporary sustainability issues to produce a range of engagement aides or products for a policy audience;
3. Describe current challenges at the science-policy interface and assess strategies to overcome them;  
4. Devise practical strategies to enhance the uptake and use of scientific research in specific domains of policy. 

Required Resources

The live online interactive component will operate through Zoom: https://anu.zoom.us/

Please ensure you have installed the ANU Zoom client on your computer in advance, and that your computer has a stable internet connection in order to participate.

Instructions for installing the ANU Zoom client on your computer are available via the online access for courses Web page.

Some tips for participating in a class via Zoom are given on the remote delivery Web page.

Recommended Resources

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including: 

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction 
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning 
• email and other messaging tools for communication 
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities 
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work 

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need: 

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate. 
• Webcam 
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset) 
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate. 
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments. 
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	This course is delivered intensively. The live online interactive component will run from Monday July 1st until Friday July 5th from 9 am to 5 pm each day. A more detailed schedule will be shared on the first day, although precise timings may be subject to change.The course focuses on developing theoretical knowledge and practical skills and will consist of lectures, practical sessions and interactive sessions where students are expected to be present. Lectures, practical sessions and interactive sessions will cover topics including, but not limited to: An introduction to policy and politics. Structures, functions and process of science-policy interfaces. Political cultures and public reasoning The contested nature of evidence in policymaking. Developing policy 'pitches', policy briefs, and infographics for communicating research. Planning an evidence strategy. While this course will be primarily delivered by the convener it will also include a range of guests.	Students will have the opportunity to start to develop work on some of the assessment tasks during the intensive week.

Tutorial Registration

There are no tutorials timetabled for this course.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Oral presentation of a 'policy pitch'	10 %	15/07/2024	24/07/2024	1,2
Policy brief	30 %	29/07/2024	07/08/2024	1,2,4
Infographic	10 %	12/08/2024	21/08/2024	1,2
Evidence strategy addressing a policy challenge	50 %	30/08/2024	13/09/2024	1,2,3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Class attendance and participation is not assessed. However, students will gain important insights, learning opportunities, and guidance for completing their assignments during class time. Students are strongly encouraged to attend all of the face-to-face components of the course from 1st - 5th July 2024.

Assessment Task 1

Oral presentation of a 'policy pitch'

This individual assessment task is designed to help you develop and practice the skills associated with verbally presenting complex insights from research for a policy audience.

1. During the intensive week, you will identify a salient topic for your policy pitch and confirm it in writing with the course convenor. Topics will focus on a specific proposition or concern (i.e. the potential of vertical farming in urban Australia; the management of invasive species on Australian islands). Topics need to be supported by a sufficient body of academic literature, including practical policy options, that can be discussed within the pitch. The topic may be changed once after the end of the intensive week with specific written permission from the convenor. The topics may be the same as that for the policy brief below.
2. You will need to identify and select 2 peer-reviewed papers on your chosen topic that offer practical solutions or policy options. Where possible, I recommend choosing recent papers on the topic, especially those that are attracting high numbers of citations and media attention.
3. You will need to extract the key elements of a policy pitch:
4. the broad issue;
5. the specific problem;
6. the ‘so what’;
7. the potential solutions; and,
8. the strengths and weaknesses of the solutions.
9. You will need to write and record a verbal presentation of your policy pitch covering each of the elements above with a maximum 3-minute duration.
10. Upload your audio recording (.mp3 or .wav preferred, alternatively .mp4, .m4a, .aiff, .mov) and completed supplied cover sheet via the TurnItIn link.

You will be assessed on the quality of your argument, the quality of the evidence analysis, and verbal expression and presentation. Late submission permitted.

Assessment Task 2

Policy brief

This individual assessment task is designed to help you develop and practice the skills associated with synthesising and evaluating complex insights from research for a policy audience, as well as demonstrating awareness of the policy context in which societal issues are governed.

1. During the intensive week, you will identify a salient topic for your policy brief and confirm it in writing with the course convenor. Topics will focus on a specific proposition or concern (i.e. the potential of vertical farming in urban Australia; the management of invasive species on Australian islands). Topics need to be supported by a sufficient body of academic literature, including practical policy options, that can be discussed within the brief. The topic may be changed once after the end of the intensive week with specific written permission from the convenor. The topics may be the same as that for the policy pitch above.
2. You will need to produce a policy brief in relation to your chosen topic. The brief will be a maximum of two A4 pages (including images, but not references) with a minimum of size 12 font. Students can choose their own format for their policy brief (examples of commonly used templates will be shared in class), however your policy brief should include at least the following elements:
3. Executive summary;
4. Statement of purpose;
5. Outline of current situation;
6. Evaluation of policy options;
7. Key references. NB: Literature should also be cited in the text using a consistent referencing format and draw from both academic and non-academic sources.
8. Upload your policy brief (as a PDF preferred, or .docx) and completed supplied cover sheet via the TurnItIn link.

You will be assessed on the quality of your argument, the quality of the evidence analysis, written expression and presentation, and accurate and broad referencing. Late submission permitted.

Assessment Task 3

Infographic

This individual assessment task is designed to help you develop and practice the skills associated with visually communicating complex insights from research for a policy audience.

1. You will need to develop an infographic summarising one or more of the key elements of your policy-pitch (3a-e above). The infographic should cover a maximum of 1 A4 page.
2. Upload your policy brief (as a PDF preferred, or .docx, .pptx, .jpg, or .tiff) and completed supplied cover sheet via the TurnItIn link.

You will be assessed on the quality of synthesis, the clarity of ideas communicated, and the visual appeal. Late submission permitted.

Assessment Task 4

Evidence strategy addressing a policy challenge

This individual assessment task is designed to help you develop and practice the skills associated with planning an evidence synthesis, evaluation and use strategy, including demonstrating awareness of the scientific contexts in which societal issues are researched and the policy contexts in which they are governed.

1. During the intensive week, you will identify a salient topic for your evidence strategy and confirm it in writing with the course convenor. Topics will focus on a domain of policy (i.e. transport infrastructure; urban green spaces; global plastic pollution). Topics need to be relevant to recent policy areas or proposals at the national, global or local scales. The topic may be changed once after the end of the intensive week with specific written permission from the convenor. The topic may be related to those for the policy pitch, brief and infographic above, or it may be different.
2. You will need to produce an evidence strategy in relation to your chosen topic. The evidence strategy will be a maximum of 3,000 words (not including references). You can choose your own format for your evidence strategy (examples will be shared in class), however your evidence strategy should include at least the following elements:
3. Executive summary;
4. Background (to the policy area, including details about the issue and relevant stakeholder analysis);
5. Goal and purpose of the strategy (the 'so what?');
6. Characterising the evidence base (what knowledge is relevant and why? how complete and accessible is the evidence base?);
7. Synthesis opportunities and challenges (how can knowledge be appropriately gathered for input into policy? who needs to do what?);
8. Conclusion.
9. Upload your evidence strategy (as a PDF preferred, or .docx) via the TurnItIn link.

You will be assessed on the quality of your argument, the quality of the evidence analysis, written expression and presentation, and accurate and broad referencing. Late submission permitted.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Returning Assignments

Assignments submitted through Turnitin will be returned through the system with electronic comments.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Not permitted.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students