paul mundy authors’ guidelines for research evidence for policy

Paul Mundy www.mamud.com

Authors’ guidelines for Research evidence for policy


“Research evidence for policy” Published by NCCR North

South since 2009 www.north-south.unibe.ch

/content.php/page/id/250


Elements of an NCCR brief

Title Policy message Lead Main text Policy implications

Cases Definitions Table or graphic Photos Further reading Authors This issue


Title

Maximum 80 characters Catchy, grabs readers’

attention Relevant to topic Examples

Natural resources: The climate change challenge

Making migration safer Conservation in protected areas:

Do local people benefit? Overcoming ambiguities in

decentralisation

Buzzword

Catches attention

Obvious policy implications

Poses a question

Implies a question


Policy message

Maximum 640 characters 3-4 bullet points What are the main points you

want policymakers to get – even if they read nothing else?


The lead

Max 700 characters Grabs the reader’s

attention Introduces the

topic Says why it is

important Tells the reader why

he/she should do something about it


Main text

Maximum 7000 characters

At least 6 subtitles Can be structured in various ways

Problem – effects – causes – solution Example 1 – example 2 – analysis – solution Problem – intervention – results Aspect 1 – aspect 2 – aspect 3 – analysis

Must answer the question “So what?”


Policy implications

In box on last page (in 2010 template) Tells the reader what the rest of the text

means for policy Must relate to Policy messages section


Cases

Maximum 1630 characters

2-3 different countries?

1 paragraph on each case

Self-contained Focus on subject, no

unnecessary details


Boxes

Around 440 characters Self-contained Can contain

Cases Definitions or

explanations Info that does not fit

within main flow of text Bulleted list Examples to illustrate

points in text


Tables and graphics

1-2 tables or graphics If more, use fewer photos

Graphics often better than tables

What is the table or graphic trying to say?

Give explanatory title and caption

Use colour Keep it simple!


Photos

Maximum 3, including photo for page 1 Stunning composition Relevant to subject Carry a message

Give a descriptive caption Name the photographer Get permissions


Further reading

Not a list of references!

Where readers can go for more information

2-3 key references only

Give web addresses if possible


Authors

For each author Portrait Name Position Institution Email


“This issue”

Academic adviser Policy adviser Editorial team Design


Elements of an NCCR brief Title

Max 80 chars Policy message

Max 640 chars Lead

Max 700 chars Main text

Max 7000 chars At least 6 subtitles

Policy implications Max 1630 chars

Boxes/cases Ca 440 chars 2-3 different countries

Table or graphic Max 2

Photos Max 3 With captions

Further reading 2-3 key refs only

Authors Name, position, institution,

email This issue

Academic adviser, policy adviser, editors, design


How to submit manuscripts

Prepare in Word format Follow template and guidelines Check language Do not try to do any layout! Email to your regional coordinator


If you don’t comply with the requirements…

paul mundy authors’ guidelines for research evidence for policy

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