Opportunities for engagement and impact through History & Policy

Humanities scholars have increasingly been encouraged to demonstrate the ways in which their research might have a positive impact on society as a whole. One of these is through engagement with policymakers. This is not a new activity – from Classical times, writers of history have sought to enable decisionmakers to learn from the past. 

History & Policy, a network of over 400 professional historians based at the Institute of Historical Research, is simply one of the latest manifestations of this desire to demonstrate the practical value of historical knowledge and expertise. But is it really possible to ‘learn lessons’ from history, and are those lessons ever simple or straightforward? The director of History & Policy, Professor Philip Murphy, will begin by considering these broader questions before explaining some of the more specific ways in which he and his colleagues attempt to engage with policymakers. By the end of the session, participants should have a clearer sense of how to translate the insights they have gained from their research into guidance for decisionmakers.