Yogyakarta, Indonesia – Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK–KMK) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), through its Implementation Science Leadership Fellowship Program (IR–TDR) supported by the World Health Organization’s Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (WHO–TDR), held an intensive Policy Brief Writing Workshop on 24–26 June 2025 at the Center for Health Policy and Management Research and Development (PKMK Litbang UGM). This three-day workshop served as an essential preparatory activity for the IR–TDR Fellows before they embark on their upcoming field assignments.
The workshop was designed to immerse fellows in both the theoretical and practical aspects of policy communication. A policy brief, in essence, is more than just a summary of research it is a strategic document aimed at persuading policymakers to adopt evidence-based solutions to pressing health challenges. For many researchers, the ability to write and present such briefs effectively can mean the difference between their findings staying within academic circles or creating real-world impact. This event was attended by the Implementation Science Leadership Fellows such as Rhondemo A. Kikon from India, Dina Arisonaningtyas from Indonesia, and Monjurul Karim from Bangladesh. Their presence underscored the global nature of the program and reflected its commitment to cross-cultural learning and collaboration. Bringing together perspectives from different health systems enriched the workshop discussions and fostered a deeper understanding of how policy briefs can be adapted to varied political, social, and cultural contexts.
Guiding the participants was a team of experienced facilitators, Shita Listya Dewi, Tri Muhartini, and Relmbuss Biljers Fanda who each brought their expertise in health policy, communication, and research translation. Prof. dr. E. Elsa Herdiana Murhandarwati, M.Kes., Ph.D., Dr. Dra. Retna Siwi Padmawati, MA., and drh. Kharisma Dewi, MPH was accompanied the fellow and ensured the academic rigor and strategic relevance of the workshop content.
The sessions were conducted fully offline, creating an environment conducive to active learning and direct engagement. The workshop combined interactive lectures, collaborative group work, and practical exercises, allowing participants to draft, refine, and present their own policy briefs based on hypothetical and real-life scenarios. The highlight of the program was the coaching clinic, where fellows received personalized feedback on their drafts. This one-on-one mentorship helped identify areas for improvement, from structuring arguments and framing issues to strengthening evidence and ensuring clarity in language.
In addition to learning how to craft compelling documents, participants also practiced the art of delivering policy recommendations to different audiences be it government officials, non-governmental organizations, or international agencies. Role-play exercises and simulated policy dialogues gave fellows the confidence to speak with authority and adapt their messaging according to the stakeholder’s priorities. By the end of the workshop, fellows had not only developed a strong foundation in policy brief writing but also acquired the confidence and skills to serve as effective knowledge brokers bridging the gap between research evidence and public health policy. This transformation is vital, especially as they prepare to conduct field research in settings where evidence-based interventions are urgently needed but may face challenges in policy uptake.
The Policy Brief Writing Workshop directly contributes to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) by supporting the creation of policies that promote health equity, and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering collaboration across countries and sectors. By equipping fellows with the tools to communicate research findings persuasively, the workshop enhances their ability to influence health policies that can lead to tangible improvements in communities worldwide. The lessons learned and connections made during these three days are expected to resonate far beyond the classroom, shaping policies and practices that address some of the most pressing health challenges of our time.
Writer: Fikri Wahiddinsyah
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