Research to policy impact

Dr Joy Edwards-Hicks, IRR Group Leader, was selected by the Scottish Parliament to be one of their appointed academic fellows. In January, Dr Edwards-Hicks published a briefing for the Scottish Parliament covering the subject of healthy ageing in Scotland. We caught up with Joy to find out about her experience as an academic fellow and her project.

What is the Scottish Parliament Fellowship Scheme and why were you interested in applying?

The Scottish Parliament Fellowship Scheme places academic researchers within the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe). It offers a unique opportunity to contribute independent, evidence-based research to inform policy and parliamentary scrutiny.

I was interested in applying because it provided a chance to bridge academic research and real-world policy impact, particularly in an area I’m passionate about - metabolism, ageing, and population health.

What work have you done on this scheme?

During the fellowship, I worked closely with Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) to develop a research briefing focused on healthy ageing in Scotland. This involved reviewing existing literature, analysing demographic and health data, and meeting with experts in Public Health for organisations such as Public Health Scotland, Food Standards Scotland, and the Scottish Government. Working with the SPICe Data Visualisation team taught me about presenting evidence in an accessible format for Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) and the public.

Through the fellowship scheme I also wanted to connect SPICe with academic researchers working on ageing at the Institute of Regeneration and Repair and hosted a visit to our institute.

Joy and seven members of SPICe standing in lab coats within IRR — As part of the project, Dr Edwards-Hicks hosted SPICe staff at the IRR

Can you give us a brief overview of your SPICe briefing?

The briefing, ‘Promoting Healthy Ageing in Scotland’, explores the challenges of Scotland’s ageing population, with over a million people now aged 65 and over. It highlights that Scotland has lower life expectancy and healthy life expectancy than comparable countries, with significant inequalities—people in more deprived areas spend far fewer years in good health.

It also considers the economic impact of ageing, including increased healthcare demand and pressures on public spending, while emphasising that promoting healthier ageing could help reduce these costs alongside improving quality of life. The briefing outlines how lifestyle and environmental factors—such as diet, physical activity, and social connection—play a major role in how well we age, alongside emerging research into anti-ageing approaches.

Overall, it points to the importance of public health strategies and policy initiatives to improve healthy life expectancy and reduce inequalities across Scotland.

What have you gained from being on the scheme?

The fellowship has given me invaluable insight into how research is translated into policy. I’ve developed skills in communicating complex evidence clearly and concisely for non-academic audiences, and gained a deeper understanding of how academic expertise can directly inform decision-making.

What have you learnt about the Parliament and the political process?

I’ve learned that policymaking is highly collaborative and time-sensitive, requiring evidence to be both robust and accessible. The process involves balancing competing priorities, and there’s a strong emphasis on impartial, high-quality information to support parliamentary debate and scrutiny.

What was it like presenting your work in the Parliament?

Presenting my work in the Scottish Parliament was a rewarding experience. It was an opportunity to see how my research could contribute to real discussions and decisions. It was also a reminder of the importance of clear communication, as the audience included people from a wide range of backgrounds.

When is the next call for applications likely to take place and would you recommend it to other academics?

The next call for applications will take place later than normal in 2026 due to the forthcoming Scottish Parliament election. Late summer/early autumn is the likely date.