Alex Trebek Forum for Dialogue Professorship on Public Policy
This research program, funded by the Alex Trebek Forum for Dialogue Professorship on Public Policy, aims to enhance the use of research and evaluation evidence in policymaking within the Canadian federal government.
Umbrella review of evidence-based policymaking
An umbrella review of evidence-based policymaking in public organizations is currently underway to synthesize existing knowledge about the sources of evidence and research most used in policymaking, their perceived trustworthiness, and the role that they play in the policy development process. Articles included in the umbrella review will focus on the uptake and use of academic research throughout the policy cycle.
Thematic analysis of evaluation reports
A thematic analysis of evaluation reports published by federal government organizations is currently underway. This project seeks to determine whether federal evaluation reports contain data and findings that might translate into useful information for policy analysts focusing on specific thematic areas (e.g., climate change, vaccination). The thematic analysis will lead to the production of evidence briefs that will then be presented to policy analysts participating in focus groups. The evidence briefs and the results stemming from the focus group sessions will support various knowledge mobilization activities.
Survey of federal policy analysts
An online survey of federal policy analysts will be conducted in 2026 to create a general portrait of evidence use in policymaking across the federal government. The survey instrument will be developed based on the findings of the scoping review and will also include a section on the use of uOttawa research in policymaking. Policy analysts across the federal government will be recruited via email; their coordinates will be generated through a searchable web-based directory of federal government employees; positions with the term “policy” will be included in the sample (e.g., policy analyst, officer, advisor), which is currently estimated at approximately 225 individuals. This stream will enable the development of clear guidelines for researchers in terms of the types of sources that are most useful to policymakers, and how researchers can best disseminate their work to effectively influence the policy development process; this will result in an annual workshop for new researchers as well as a new short course offered to policy analysts. It will also provide uOttawa with an overview of the extent to which research produced by its academic staff has been used by federal policymakers in recent years to inform future promotion and knowledge mobilization activities.