Research call 4 – Policy Briefs

This call applies to UM researchers who wish to publish their research in a policy brief, as part of the SEM Policy Brief series. Policy briefs are relatively short reports, tailored to the need of policymakers and societal partners. Scientific findings are translated into advice on policy making in a broad sense, including agenda setting for policy makers and societal partners. Policy briefs help academics to create societal impact, by enabling them to display the value of their research endeavours outside academia. This type of societal outreach and valorisation efforts becomes more and more valuable, as shown by the key role these briefs have in grant applications and academic evaluations.

We welcome individual policy briefs on a rolling basis in line with the four themes of the SEM research agenda. Additionally, we open up two targeted ‘special policy brief collections’ yearly, for which deadlines apply. These special collections discuss topics high on the EU-agenda, which are selected by the Academic Board. Both the individual policy briefs and the special collections are published on the SEM website and aim to promote dialogue with policymakers, (inter)governmental organisations, other societal stakeholders and citizens. Linking research with policy-making is crucial to deal with societal challenges and priorities high on the European agenda. As such, the policy briefs support Maastricht University’s research and valorisation efforts on Europe and European integration.

The themes of the two targeted calls for the ‘special collections’ for 2022 are:

1. Circular economy, climate change and the energy transition (Green Deal)
2. Digitalisation, privacy and big data

These special collections will consist of multiple policy briefs for which UM academics from various faculties will be invited under the curation of one appointed senior UM expert.

In case you are interested in coordinating a special collection or want to submit an individual brief as part of one of these special collections, we invite you to submit a proposal to the SEM research officer (research@studioeuropamaastricht.nl).

Application

• Complete draft policy briefs are submitted to the Academic Board for assessment
• Policy briefs should be 4-6 pages (2500-4000 words), contribute to the SEM research agenda and describe its target audience
• Author(s) should submit a CV and a short bio to appear on the brief (max 100 words)

Procedure

• To submit your individual application, please use the dedicated application form below
• Draft policy briefs will be reviewed by one member of the Academic Board and one external reviewer
• Feedback will be shared with the author(s) within 8 weeks
• A final version should be submitted to the Academic Board within 6 weeks after review
• The policy brief will be published on SEM’s website 2 weeks after final approval
• External publication is encouraged, with mention of SEM in the acknowledgments
• Individual policy briefs applications are welcome on a rolling basis

Funding

• The available funding for a policy brief written by UM researchers is € 2500,-
• Funding is allocated once the final version is published on the SEM website
• Funding will be transferred to a dedicated budget number provided to SEM by the researcher (i.e., either an individual budget number or if not available a department budget number)

Apply