This episode of SEI Asia’s podcast series Environment and Policy in Asia with Dr. Pichamon Yeophantong explores the intricate relationship between scientific research and policymaking, particularly in the Mekong Region, and the challenges researchers face in translating science into impactful action.
Dr. Pichamon Yeophantong has many years of experience bridging science and policy, especially in the Mekong Region. At the Mekong Environmental Resilience Week 2024 in October, she presented insights on how researchers can better impact policy and development to build climate resilience.
In this conversation, she emphasized her dual identity as a “pracademic,” blending academic rigor with practical policy work. She underlined the challenge of bridging the gap between science and policy: “It always feels like an uphill battle, where no matter what you write, how you frame the issue or the language that you use, you always feel like there’s some sort of barrier standing in the way.”
This persistent challenge, however, has motivated her to make her research more accessible and impactful.
A vital topic of the conversation was policymaking’s “black box” nature. Despite the demand from policymakers for empirical evidence, the ultimate use of this information often remains unclear to researchers.
Dr. Pichamon remarked, “As an academic, you don’t always know how your work will get used…having empirical evidence that’s verifiable be made as upfront as possible is so important.”
She stressed the importance of clear and ethical communication of scientific findings to prevent manipulation or misinterpretation.
The conversation turned to how bridging research to policy also involves bringing out people’s concerns, especially those marginalized or voices ignored in policymaking.
Dr. Pichamon asserted that knowledge is power and that “we have to be aware that we are also wielding a degree of that power, even if it doesn’t always feel that way. In generating research and trying to enhance our policy influence, we become part of that policymaking cycle.”
We should also ensure the research that we do doesn't result in any harm, whether it be to marginalized or at-risk groups or any other stakeholder groups, and that we undertake our due diligence to ensure the veracity and accuracy of the information that we use and the data that we generate from our work.
Dr. Pichamon Yeophantong
The policymaking cycle served as a focal framework for the discussion. Dr. Pichamon explained how researchers could influence various stages of this cycle – agenda setting, policy formulation, decision-making, implementation and evaluation.
Her advice to researchers was to identify “windows of opportunity” to amplify their impact. “If you think about Greta Thunberg … her activism created a lot of interest amongst younger generations, which governments could not ignore. That’s a window of opportunity academics can leverage.” Researchers can navigate these policy cycles more effectively by engaging with stakeholders at all levels and maintaining persistence.
Dr. Pichamon noted the challenges of presenting complex scientific information in a way that resonates with diverse audiences. Drawing from her own experiences with the United Nations, she explained that strategic word choices and timing are vital:
The language of 'red alert'…is powerful. It might not necessarily sound academic, but it impresses upon you the gravity of the moment.
Dr. Pichamon Yeophantong
The conversation concluded with an empowering message for young researchers. Dr. Pichamon urged them to persevere despite obstacles, emphasizing that their work can create meaningful change at multiple levels.
The impact you generate might not change laws overnight, but it can still affect change. Even communities feeling listened to by academics can be as meaningful as policy influence.
Dr. Pichamon Yeophantong
Her message is clear: effective communication, strategic engagement, and persistence are crucial to transforming research into meaningful policy impact.
Listen to this episode of Environment and Policy in Asia:
This is an excerpt of a podcast conversation with Dr. Pichamon Yeophantong for the SEI Asia podcast series Environment and Policy in Asia.
SEI Asia’s podcast series “Environment and Policy in Asia” focuses on current and critical environmental challenges in Asia and emphasizing policy actions.
The podcast encourages dialogue on policy and practice about sustainable development in Asia. The podcast series aims to provide a platform for Asia Centre’s researchers to highlight their work, with the communications team as the host.
Perspective / Despite challenges, a recent multi-stakeholder discussion reveals optimism and a call for transformative policies to drive resilience and decarbonization.
Past event / The event gathered researchers, development partners, and policymakers to exchange knowledge and explore collaboration on critical environmental issues.
Press release / The Mekong Environmental Resilience Week will bring together leading voices in research, policy and development to shape the future of the Mekong subregion.
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