Event title
- Using AI Tools to Enhance Academic-Policy Engagement
Location
Date
- Wednesday 18 March 2026, 14:00-15:00
Event details
This online event will feature discussion on and around innovating policy engagement with practical, hands‑on AI experimentation.
The Universities Policy Engagement Network (UPEN)’s Professional Development Subcommittee presents an AI Miniseries exploring how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can support and elevate knowledge mobilisation.
Across the series, events will cover how AI can streamline workflows and spark creative approaches to engaging human audiences.
At the centre of this event is the question of how generative AI tools can make academic-policy engagement more dynamic, responsive, and effective?
In this session, University College London (UCL)’s Policy Impact Unit will share how they have been experimenting with AI to enhance the design, delivery, and follow-up of knowledge exchange activities.
Drawing on recent events and collaborations, the team will share some practical ways they have used generative AI tools to:
- develop thought-provoking images or hypothetical scenarios to kickstart discussion;
- generate visual artefacts that inspire deeper conversation and participation on a particular topic;
- create real-time ‘future visioning’ statements out of live discussions; and
- streamline workshop report writing through live and rapid discussion synthesis.
This session is an open reflection on what has worked so far, what did not work, and what is being learnt about integrating AI into policy engagement processes.
UCL’s Policy Impact Unit is a specialist team that works with UCL researchers in the Faculty of Engineering Sciences to turn complex evidence into policy‑relevant insight and engagement.
Combining experience of academia and public policy, the team designs strategic, innovative approaches that make it easier for policymakers to access and use UCL research in real‑world decision‑making.
The session will be recorded.
To attend the session, participants can book a place at Using AI Tools to Enhance Academic-Policy Engagement.
Organised by the Universities Policy Engagement Network (UPEN).