Engineering research is vital for creating a sustainable and equitable society, but how can we turn research findings into meaningful change? Academy Research Fellow and 2025 STEM for Britain finalist Dr Abigail Ackerman shares her advice for engaging policymakers for real-world impact.
As an engineer, my ultimate goal is to translate research into real-world change. Engaging with policymakers and understanding the research and policy landscapes is crucial in shaping research objectives and driving meaningful scientific progress. However, as an academic, this can be easier said than done.
My research, supported by the Academy’s Research Fellowship scheme, centres on sustainable metallurgy to support the net-zero transition, with a particular focus on hydrogen technologies. The iron and steel industry is responsible for approximately 7% of global CO₂ emissions. However, promising alternatives such as low-temperature electrolysis, a key area of my research, present an opportunity to significantly reduce this footprint.
Taking the first steps
The STEM for Britain competition, where researchers are able to present their work to MPs and Members of the House of Lords at a poster exhibition in Parliament, is an invaluable opportunity for early-career researchers like myself to take the first step in engaging with policymakers.
Breaking into the policymaking space can be challenging, but attending workshops on navigating this landscape and increasing your involvement helps build both knowledge and confidence. Competitions like STEM for Britain provide a unique platform to connect with policymakers beyond large specialist committees, fostering more in-depth discussions about the real-world impact of research. These conversations are crucial for bridging the gap between science and policy, ensuring that research findings translate into meaningful change.
At this year’s STEM for Britain exhibition, held on 11 March, I was able to share my research on low-temperature electrolysis. I spoke to politicians about its potential to not only advance cleaner steel production but to improve the performance of metals in electrolysis systems more broadly, with potential applications in other extraction processes. It was fantastic to talk to parliamentarians about this crucial topic, as well as engage with other early-career engineers.
Dr Abigail Ackerman at STEM for Britain.
Making change
Effectively communicating complex scientific concepts depends on making them relevant to the audience. My experience creating a UK network for sustainable metallurgy, where we are working towards the publication of a white paper outlining the potential for metallurgy as a driver for net zero technology, has helped me understand the skills required when attempting to engage both policymakers and stakeholders. For policymakers, linking research to tangible economic benefits – such as job creation or supply chain improvements – strengthens its impact. Simplifying complex ideas and framing them in a way that resonates with their priorities increases the likelihood that your research will influence policy. If an audience struggles to understand your work, they are unlikely to grasp its significance. Crafting a concise, compelling pitch ensures that key stakeholders remain engaged and more receptive to the potential real-world impact of your research.
Media training has played a crucial role in my development as a science communicator, giving me the confidence to engage with diverse platforms, including radio, podcasts, and television. Maintaining an online presence – both on social media and within my institution – has further strengthened my communication skills, particularly in creating concise and engaging online videos. My key advice is to embrace every opportunity to share your research. With each experience, your confidence grows, and your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively continues to improve.
The Academy’s Research Fellowship scheme supports awardees to undertake a wide range of training to enhance their skills, from courses in science communication and policy making, to leadership and career development. I would strongly encourage any awardees to take advantage of these opportunities to develop as both a researcher and advocate for their discipline.
As evidence grows for the vital role of metallurgy in the transition to net zero, I’m driven to focus not only on advancing my field, but also on shaping its future for positive impact. By building a network of researchers committed to both fundamental science and real-world change, I aim to contribute to a more sustainable and impactful future.
Abigail Ackerman is an RAEng Research Fellow at Imperial College London, specialising in the understanding of hydrogen in metallic alloys. Her research focuses on sustainable metallurgy, including low carbon iron reduction and materials for hydrogen transport and storage