Researcher and policymaker dialogue: the Policy BUDDIES Project in Western Cape Province, South Africa

Exchange between policymakers and researchers may increase evidence uptake in policymaking. We piloted a structured linkage programme in a province in South Africa and successfully increased one to one dialogue between researchers and policymakers. We learnt that researchers need to learn more about policymaker world; and subnational policymakers often found evidence useful in understanding and rolling out decisions made at national level. Building relationships and dialogue took time and commitment from both sides.

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Young T, Shearer JC, Naude C, Kredo T, Wiysonge CS, Garner P. Researcher and policymaker dialogue: the Policy BUDDIES Project in Western Cape Province, South Africa. BMJ Global Health. 2018;3:e001130. doi:10.1136/bmjgh-2018-001130