Connecting early career researchers and policymakers: Insights from Young Academy Ireland’s Evidence for Policy Summit 2025

Evidence-based policy-making is essential for tackling societal challenges, however, there are significant ongoing challenges to the effective implementation of this process throughout the ecosystem. Persistent institutional barriers, political resistance and funding challenges continue to hinder the effective use of research in decision making. ECRs can play a critical role in this process as they represent a large and diverse community, are at the cutting edge of research, but are often not well-connected to the policy-making process. Similarly, policymakers seek the best available evidence but can struggle to obtain it in a timely manner. Further action is required to better connect ECRs and policymakers in Ireland and Northern Ireland and this includes capacity-building and mentoring, networking, and 146 KIERAN WALSH ET AL. structural and financial supports. The vision for the Evidence for Policy Summit was to create a space whereby early career researchers and policymakers, North and South, could exchange ideas and perspectives and to inspire a shared blueprint for improving the pathways between ECRs and policymakers. As this important national resource develops, YAI looks forward to acting as a convener of early career research expertise, and as a source and network of evidence suitable for policymakers across the island of Ireland.