Accelerating the transfer of water for development research evidence into policy

A study by the SPLASH European Research Area Network (ERA-Net) on the design, management and communication of water research relating to low-income countries identified gaps between research evidence and policy at each of these stages. This effectively limits the use and impact of research. Improving interaction between researchers and policy makers allows more informed decision making based on research evidence, and greater impact on development. It also facilitates more demand-led research. Based on extensive global consultation with both researchers and policy makers in the water for development sector, recommendations are made for improving the use of research evidence in policy making.