Workstream 5: Local Policy Lab
Using research to understand health inequalities.
Why is this important?
The Local Policy Lab is an alliance between the University of Oxford, Oxford Brookes University and Oxfordshire County Council that aims to promote relationships and bridge the gap between research and local policy. The two universities have ambitions to do more in the local community and to strengthen links and coordination with the county, city and district councils. Together, they are working with different local organisations to contribute to informed, evidence-based policymaking in Oxfordshire and address health and climate inequalities locally.
Recently, they signed up to contribute to developing Oxfordshire as a Marmot Place. This includes using their academic and research expertise to help us better understand what actions will reduce health inequality.
It also involves using their assets, facilities, employment practices, and broader influence to help address local inequality. This is part of their role as local anchor institutions.
What has been achieved so far?
The Local Policy Lab began in 2024 and supports graduate students to spend up to 12 weeks tackling policy-relevant research questions based in or with local government across county and district councils. Nineteen graduate students participated in nine research projects. Their work contributed to improving needs assessments, evaluating services, and understanding best practices.
This year, fourteen students have enrolled and are working on six projects linked to the county's Marmot priorities. In parallel, the University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University are recruiting three Chief Scientific Advisors (CSAs), covering the Marmot priorities. These CSAs will support Policy Lab Fellows as well as provide a central point of focus for developing longer-term applied research partnerships.