Towards a more strategic approach to research to support catchment-based policy approaches to mitigate agricultural water pollution: A UK case-study

This paper, written from the perspective of individuals working at the interface of science and policy in four UK government organisations, sets out the major research questions that need to be addressed to inform the development and implementation of policy on agricultural diffuse water pollution. It outlines opportunities in the policy-making process for utilising research outputs and the context in which policy-makers are able to use emerging findings to inform decisions. It also explores policy approaches to tackle diffuse pollution, discussing when decisions are made, by whom, and how science can contribute. In doing this, the paper finally explores ways in which better knowledge exchange between researchers and the users of scientific information could improve the impact of research and the robustness of future policy development. In addition to policy-makers and operational staff in environmental agencies, new audiences for research on diffuse water pollution are emerging from the development of “bottom-up” integrated catchment management initiatives. Those working at the interface of science and policy need to take account of current scientific knowledge in combination with an understanding of policy direction and processes to plan high impact strategic research in anticipation of future windows of opportunity to influence decision making.

► To improve the impact of research on agricultural pollution the timeframes, scope and limitations of policy decisions should be considered.
► This includes the political and socio-economic context, and mechanisms through which land management can be influenced
► Policy makers need mitigation strategies, an understanding of pollution source and impacts, and tools to plan and track progress.
► Involving the end-users of research in its development promotes a shared understanding of priorities and underlying science questions
► ‘Knowledge exchange’ should emerge from collaboration between researchers and policy makers rather than being a process to be laboured over.