Public policy
Providing evidence to support policy-making processes
The University of Plymouth has a prestigious record of engaging with and influencing policy, from legislation on microplastics, to innovation in offshore renewable energy and improving the health of coastal communities.
We work with local, regional, national and international partners across a range of complex policy issues including soil erosion, anti-microbial resistance and digital interventions for people with Parkinson’s disease. Our academics regularly brief Parliamentary Select Committees and All-Party Parliamentary Groups, engage with Government officials, and provide evidence for Government policy consultations and 'POSTnotes' issued to Parliamentarians by the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology. Policy engagement also occurs through academic membership of National and Regional bodies, such as the Microbiology Society Council and the Integrated Care Board for Devon.
Delivering on the UK’s defence and security priorities
Discover how the University and its partners are enhancing our national resilience in line with the UK's 2025 Strategic Defence Review.
To find out more about public policy engagement at the University of Plymouth, please contact
Dr Rosie Langridge
Following the success of our workshops last year, we are now running four workshops relating to policy engagement and confidence in building your policy network.
Find out more and book your place (UoP log-in required)
Spotlight on policy impact
International Marine Litter Research Unit
Since the first publication on microplastics in 2004, our academics have dedicated much of the last two decades to understanding the global distribution, abundance and environmental impacts of marine plastic pollution.
Their research has influenced policy worldwide, informing the new UN Global Plastics Pollution Treaty. The International Marine Litter Unit (IMLRU) team are now working to provide the evidence to drive a solutions-oriented approach to this global crisis, starting with the design stage of plastics.
Engaging with Policy: information for academic researchers
Our policy engagement toolkit provides academics with information on the policy environment and how policy making works. Providing knowledge and evidence to policy makers can help to change policy and impact substantially on society. Engaging with evidence-based policy making can also help to enhance your research profile to strengthen grant applications.
Public policy news
University contributes to ambitious plan for food security and growth
Our academics have worked with partners across the Great South West consortium on the new Agrifood Growth Plan
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Project investigates public attitudes and perceptions towards the decommissioning of marine artificial structures
The READ-ME initiative will document attitudes and perceptions in order to generate crucial knowledge to guide sustainable ocean management
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New report reveals scale, causes and consequences of South West octopus bloom
Researchers from across Plymouth comprised the new report which draws on data from scientists, fishermen and citizen scientists
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UK marine heatwave research priorities outlined in new national roadmap
Scientists from the University have contributed to new research calling for a coordinated response to a growing environmental threat
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Strategic research institutes
Marine Institute
Advancing sustainable use of the marine environment through our systems-thinking approach to research, education and innovation.
Sustainable Earth Institute
Solving complex global sustainability challenges through a holistic, solutions-oriented approach to research, education, innovation and knowledge exchange.