It has been written that researchers and policy makers inhabit ‘parallel universes’ (Brownson et al 2006). This appears to stand true in the area of higher education, where it is reported that higher education researchers have ‘failed to address policy makers’ concerns’ and that higher education policy has become a ‘research-free’ zone (Locke 2009). This seminar seeks to unpack some of the reasons why this might be the case.

Karen Smith (University of Hertfordshire), Scott Fernie (Loughborough University) and Nick Pilcher (Edinburgh Napier University) will share findings from their SRHE-funded research project looking at the role higher education research plays in higher education policy making. William Locke (Institute of Education, UCL) will open the seminar by providing context to the study. A panel of three expert informants will share their reflections on the question: Julie Tam, Assistant Director of Policy at Universities UK, will speak based on her experience of policy making and policy influencing; Helen Perkins, Director of the SRHE, as a funder of higher education research; and Steven Jones, University of Manchester, as a higher education researcher.

These inputs will act as a stimulus for participant reflection and frame further questions, for both participants and the panel. The event will also provide an opportunity for researchers and policy makers to better understand these different worlds and to identify ways forward that could enhance higher education research, higher education policy making and how higher education research is used in higher education policy making.