Practical approaches for legal academics to engage with policymakers

February 8, 2025 · by · in Announcements

For legal academics, the challenge of effective communication is increased by the complexity of the law. Legal terminology and specific frameworks are concepts that they are deeply familiar with and may unintentionally assume others understand as well.

In this short piece, Meltem Ineli Ciger shares good practices, some lessons learnt “the hard way” and her experience of starting out as a young, early-career, non-EU female researcher, often facing scepticism.

5 tips in a glimpse:

1. Engage with policymakers early in the research stages, before drawing conclusions.

2. Adapt your explanation and legal terminology to match your audience’s knowledge level.

3. Be practical and clear. Provide a structured outline of your key findings along with practical recommendations.

4. Make it a two-way conversation. Seek policymakers’ feedback to ensure they feel included and valued.

5. Emphasise alignment first and frame criticism constructively.

For more information, see: https://migrationresearchtopolicy.eu/2025/02/05/engaging-policymakers-practical-approaches-for-legal-academics/