Task: translate results into support for policy

The second thread comprises the work of translating our research findings into effective support for evidence-based policy. We manage a dissemination strategy to include this website, presentations at leading national and international scientific and professional conferences in a range of disciplines, and publications in high-quality peer-reviewed journals across a range of disciplines. We intend to publish a research monograph at the completion of the project.

Our translational intent is not limited to unidirectional dissemination through conventional academic channels. The active involvement of Sustrans' local steering groups, local authorities, developers and infrastructure providers at each of the case study sites are essential to ensure the successful execution of the research, and we are actively engaging this throughout the project.

We are also seeking opportunities to translate our emerging findings (including our evaluation framework, measurement and economic evaluation tools as well as our substantive 'results' as such) into the planning process at regional and local level. To do this, we are drawing on the investigators' existing links with practitioners in relevant disciplines such as town planning and on their wider professional roles, for example as consultant public health physicians contributing to and influencing the environmental and health impact assessments for proposed new local and regional transport and 'eco-town' developments.