Conflict Research and Policy Relevance: A Round-table Discussion


This round-table is part of a graduate workshop on conflict dynamics, held at Nuffield College on 20-21 September 2017. For more information about the workshop, please contact nicholas.barker@nuffield.ox.ac.uk

How can academic research influence the policy-making process? Should academics be concerned about making their research relevant to contemporary problems of terrorism, political violence and war? The purpose of this round-table discussion is to engage in these ongoing debates about the appropriate relationship between the academic and policy-making worlds. Discussants will speak about their own experiences at the intersections of academia and policy and to identify the main opportunities and obstacles for productive dialogue between scholars and practitioners. In particular, the discussion will consider what issues and priorities new scholars should be aware of as they complete their doctoral research and look for ways to widen the audience of their research and undertake new projects: What are the best ways to engage with policy-makers? What are their research priorities? What are the trade-offs between pursuing policy relevance and meeting the demands of the academic profession?

This event is open to the Oxford community but registration is essential. If you would like to attend this event, please email nicholas.barker@nuffield.ox.ac.uk