Reflections on methodological tensions in doing qualitative research at the science-policy-community interface

Abstract

Carrying out qualitative, participatory research at the science-policy-community interface can yield methodological tensions for the engaged researcher. Increasing calls for early career researchers to do policy-engaged research are coupled with a lack of recognition of the risks that researchers (usually non-tenured), assume in doing this work, which is not rewarded within a traditional university career trajectory. There is an absence of discussion about the energy, skills and time it takes to forge the relationships needed to do impactful, policy-engaged research. This sits within the broader context of a long-running debate around the desirability of engagement of scholars with the policy environment. This chapter considers these tensions and call for a diversification of university structures to support early career researchers in navigating a policy-engaged career path.