This research into the COVID-19 pandemic has radically changed how academic researchers engage with policymakers by sharing findings quickly. It has built strong long-term relationships across the UK and shown how arts-based research methods can capture complex experiences to help create more effective policies that support recovery and resilience.

1. “This research has been a game-changer … it has … shown that
academic researchers can be incredibly agile and generous in
sharing their findings. Most significantly for us, it has radically
shifted the ways in which we engage with policymakers and
developed some very strong long-term relationships across the
UK.”
(Principal Investigator, P&B survey May 2022)

2. Policy Hub: https://pandemicandbeyond.exeter.ac.uk/policy/

11. “I believe what has been evident across our COVID-19 research projects is
that arts-based research methods and approaches can generate much more
nuanced narratives, capture the complex experiences and engage people
that wouldn't otherwise find research accessible. Whilst of course medical
research in such a crisis is fundamental, so too is understanding different
people's experiences, responses and how their lives have been impacted so
we can make more effective policies and support people's recovery and
resilience looking forward”
(Principal Investigator, P&B survey May 2022)