"Policy briefs are useful influencing tools for think tanks and research institutions. Along with other short items, such as blogs and newspaper articles, they may be the only items from your organisation that busy policymakers will read. This quick guide is aimed at researchers and communications s ... taff who are planning policy briefs for the first time, or want to review their approach. It sets out a tried and tested approach and suggested sturcture for policy briefs." (Page 1) more

"ILRI is working in 'a crowded field of providers of knowledge, technology, and capacity development'. It is crucial therefore that the organisation is crystal clear about the unique brand of knowledge and services it delivers in the field of science 'at the intersect of poverty and livestock' - and ... up-front about its track record in delivering results. Purposeful and strategic communication around issues that ILRI has the reputation to speak about, and that resonate with current - and emerging - debates, is the key to being heard and advancing the position and potential of livestock farmers globally. The organisation has established for itself a professional brand and impressive publishing record for communicating its diverse research products and thinking 'in real time'. A two-pronged process of embedding strategic communication in all research programmes (through a combination of incentives and quality assurance protocols) and being more focused and strategic on key target audiences and issues, will create the necessary conditions for ILRI to effectively communicate its research. This process requires not so much radical overhauls as clear stewardship, leadership and support from management to enable more strategic communication to be required where it is absent, and to flourish where it is latent." (Executive summary) more