From Evidence to Action

Abstract: High-quality policy research plays a critical role in generating evidence that is relevant, timely, and useful for real-world decisions.  This guest-lecture seminar draws on experiences from multiple policy-oriented research initiatives and field experiments across different country contexts to reflect on the opportunities and challenges of conducting research that is both methodologically rigorous and relevant for decision-making. The presentation will explore how researchers design studies that address policy-relevant questions, engage with governments and development partners throughout the research process, and communicate findings in ways that support evidence-informed decision-making.

The lecture will also share practical lessons on building trust with stakeholders, maintaining research integrity and independence, navigating uncertainty and unexpected findings, and ensuring that evidence contributes meaningfully to policy dialogue and programme improvement. Rather than focusing on a single case study, the session will draw on a range of experiences to illustrate how policy research can help bridge the gap between evidence generation and public action.

The presentation will conclude with reflections on the role of researchers in supporting effective policymaking and social change, followed by an interactive discussion with students on conducting research at the intersection of evidence, policy, and development practice.

Format: 30–40-minute presentation followed by a 20–30-minute Q&A session.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed during this lecture are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of UNICEF or any affiliated organisation.

About the speaker: 

Kaku Attah Damoah, PhD, is a Social Policy Specialist at UNICEF Office of Strategy and Evidence - Innocenti in Florence, where he leads impact evaluations and policy research on social protection programmes. A graduate of the University of Trento, his work focuses on poverty reduction, household resilience, gender dynamics, and child well-being.