How Can Research Mediators Better Mediate? The Importance of Inward-Looking Processes

• NCJ Number: 253393
• Journal: Evidence & Policy Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Dated: 2018 Pages: 143-153
• Author(s): Jessica Shaw
• Date Published: 2018
• Length: 11 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2014-IJ-CX-0033
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance); Report (Grant Sponsored); Issue Overview; Instructional Material
• Award: Application for the Translational Criminology Research Fellowship

Annotation

This practice paper presents lessons learned and recommendations for improving the effectiveness of research mediators in bridging the science-practice gap based on the experiences of a Visiting Fellow in a United States federal research agency.

Abstract

Science can provide empirically informed strategies and resources to inform and improve policy and practice, although all too often science, policy, and practice operate independently from one another. Research mediators play a critical role by attempting to connect these different worlds. In order to support evidence-informed policy and practice, research mediators must engage in inward-looking processes; they must attend to their own internal science-practice gaps, commit to interdisciplinarity, and institutionalize such work. (publisher abstract modified)