Advanced Certificate in Policy Research for International Development
Published on June 28, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today I'm excited to be joined by Dr. Jane Smith, an expert in policy research for international development and the lead instructor of the Advanced Certificate in Policy Research for International Development. Dr. Smith, thank you for joining us. GUEST: Thanks for having me, I'm looking forward to our conversation. HOST: To start, could you share a bit about your personal experiences in policy research for international development? GUEST: Of course. I've spent over two decades working in various capacities to inform policy decisions in developing countries, and I've seen firsthand the power of evidence-based research in driving meaningful change. HOST: That's fascinating. And what current industry trends are you seeing that are relevant to this course? GUEST: There's a growing demand for skilled policy researchers who can navigate complex development challenges. Organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of data-driven decision-making, so there's a real need for professionals who can deliver high-quality policy research. HOST: Speaking of challenges, what do you find to be some of the biggest obstacles in the field or when teaching this subject? GUEST: One challenge is helping learners understand the policy cycle and how research informs each stage. It's also crucial to teach them how to effectively engage with stakeholders, as this is a key aspect of policy research. HOST: That sounds like important content in the course. Looking to the future, where do you see policy research and international development heading? GUEST: I believe we'll continue to see a shift towards evidence-based policy-making, with an increasing focus on data analysis and monitoring and evaluation. I'm excited to see how the next generation of policy researchers will contribute to this field. HOST: Thank you, Dr. Smith, for sharing your insights and experiences with us today. It's been a pleasure learning more about the Advanced Certificate in Policy Research for International Development. GUEST: My pleasure, thank you for having me.
