Paul Mundy Authors’ guidelines for Research evidence for policy

Paul Mundy “Research evidence for policy” Published by NCCR North South since content.php/page/id/250 content.php/page/id/250

Paul Mundy Elements of an NCCR brief Title Policy message Lead Main text Policy implications Cases Definitions Table or graphic Photos Further reading Authors This issue

Paul Mundy 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

Paul Mundy 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?

Paul Mundy 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

Paul Mundy 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?”

Paul Mundy 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

Paul Mundy Cases Maximum 1630 characters 2-3 different countries? 1 paragraph on each case Self-contained Focus on subject, no unnecessary details

Paul Mundy 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

Paul Mundy 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!

Paul Mundy 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

Paul Mundy Further reading Not a list of references! Where readers can go for more information 2-3 key references only Give web addresses if possible

Paul Mundy Authors For each author  Portrait  Name  Position  Institution 

Paul Mundy “This issue” Academic adviser Policy adviser Editorial team Design

Paul Mundy 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, This issue  Academic adviser, policy adviser, editors, design

Paul Mundy How to submit manuscripts Prepare in Word format Follow template and guidelines Check language Do not try to do any layout! to your regional coordinator

Paul Mundy If you don’t comply with the requirements…