This month's Why Social Science? post comes from the Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD) about what they're doing to continue to strengthen evidence-based policymaking and the connections between policymakers and researchers.
By Suzanne Le Menestrel, Juan Romero-Casillas, and Eva Lettiere (Society for Research in Child Development)
The path from research to policy is rarely straightforward; it takes collaboration between researchers and policymakers at every stage. In child-centered policymaking, where the goal is to improve the lives of children and families, these partnerships are especially vital. Evidence helps policymakers better understand complex issues and identify effective solutions, while researchers gain the opportunity to demonstrate the value of their work in addressing real-world challenges.
At the Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD), we strengthen these connections every day. By facilitating dialogue and mutual respect between researchers and policymakers, we ensure that families benefit from policies grounded in evidence. This bridging work is not abstract— it directly shapes programs and decisions that promote children’s healthy development and well-being.