Looking Ahead: MetroPolis’ Policy Training Workshops for the New Academic Year
MetroPolis has cemented its role as Manchester Met’s bridge between research and policy, training over 200 researchers and supporting 20 major funding bids. Its rapid funding scheme backed 25 projects with real-world impact, from net zero policy briefings to tackling county lines. The launch of the Chancellor’s Visiting Fellowship brought policymakers into the University for hands-on collaboration, while the MetroPolis Magazine and Roadshow showcased research to more than 450 academics and key national audiences.
Looking forward into the new academic year, we hope to further expand our fellowships and grow strategic partnerships across government and civil society, while new training and coaching opportunities will help researchers influence policy at the highest levels. MetroPolis aims to build on its national profile and ensure Manchester Met research continues to shape decisions that matter.
We are pleased to share a series of practical training workshops designed to support researchers in shaping public policy and increasing the real-world impact of their work.
Whether you’re just beginning to consider the policy relevance of your research or looking to deepen your engagement, these sessions offer expert insight, practical tools, and inspiration to help you along the way. Here’s a closer look at the four upcoming events. Please click on the Eventbrite links for further information and to register.
1. How to Promote Your Research to Parliament
Tuesday 28 October 2025 | 13:30–15:00 | Institute of Sport, Room 2.07
Led by Huw Edwards MBE, former Member of Parliament, this in-person workshop is tailored for early- to mid-career researchers who want to engage more effectively with the parliamentary process.
Participants will learn how to work with MPs, Select Committees, All-Party Parliamentary Groups, and Civil Servants. The session will also cover how to write impactful briefings, identify relevant contacts, and navigate official parliamentary tools and processes.
2. Writing for Policy and Building an Online Profile
Wednesday 19 November 2025 | 14:00–16:00 | Online
Led by Mark Fuller, Managing Director of Showrunner Communications, this interactive online session helps researchers craft compelling written content for policy audiences and build a professional online presence.
Attendees will learn how to draft submissions to Select Committees, write policy blogs and consultation responses, and use platforms such as LinkedIn and X to showcase their expertise and connect with key audiences.
This session is ideal for researchers aiming to boost their policy visibility and influence both within and beyond academia.
3. How to Identify and Communicate with Different Policy Audiences
Wednesday 26 November 2025 | Time & Location TBC
Delivered by Universal Impact, this hands-on workshop is designed for researchers who are new to policy engagement or looking to enhance their communication approach.
The session will be led by Sarah O’Meara, Head of Communications at a leading local government think tank. Participants will explore how to identify key policy audiences, refine messaging for clarity and relevance, and choose the most effective communication formats.
With experience at IPPO, Nature, HuffPost, and The Conversation, Sarah offers a communications-savvy perspective that bridges academia and policy.
Looking Ahead
These events form part of MetroPolis’s wider mission to bridge the gap between research and policy by supporting academics at Manchester Met to inform public debate and contribute to evidence-led decision-making.
Spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged.
