EfD aims to create impact by conducting high-quality, policy-relevant research, training the current and next generation of decision-makers, and actively engaging with policymakers and other stakeholders. Creating impact is not a simple task, nor is it fully within our control to make it happen. However, by being locally grounded and constantly reaching out and collaborating with actors outside academia, chances to succeed increase. 

Key elements of EfD’s impact strategy:

• An important selection criterion for EfD-funded research is policy relevance
• Training programs for EfD researchers strengthen their skills in policy engagement
• Collaborative research themes and policy learning initiatives create synergies and learning between countries
• The EfD webpage, newsletter, and social media channels are important vehicles for the network to reach out to a very broad and diverse group of stakeholders in multiple countries
• The EfD Policy Impact Award promotes excellence in policy impact