Building Academic-Community Partnerships through an Effective State Agency Liaison Process

Background. Government agencies and professionals have a great need for informed decision-making and evidence-based practice. Their needs represent a challenge to any academic center of technical excellence that takes a research-oriented, multi-disciplinary approach to resolving complex scientific, engineering, and community issues. Description. Our research translation core consists of a core leader and two state agency liaisons. They work closely with state and federal agencies. They serve as a bridge by identifying stakeholders'needs for the University's researchers and communicating results of the University's researchers to a wide range of stakeholder groups including: government agencies, policymakers, professional organizations, and other academic institutions. This activity works in close collaboration with our community engagement core whose main focus is community organizations. Lessons Learned. The state agency liaison process has expanded the scope and relevance of the University's research program by organizing symposia on technical and timely information; educating state public health and environmental management agency staff to build capacity; educating non-governmental groups; organizing symposia at national scientific research meetings; facilitating stakeholder involvement to assist state and local agencies with policy formulation and the decision-making process; and developing partnerships with legislators and regulators to increase their awareness of program-related research. Recommendations. Academic-community partnerships are built upon trust and meaningful relationships. An effective state agency liaison process enhances that connectivity, particularly when stakeholders'needs are multi-disciplinary and complex.