Evidence-informed policy-making: The evolving role of national research funders

Abstract This article examines the evolving role of national research funders in strengthening evidence-informed policy-making, with particular attention on Research Ireland and its predecessor organisations, Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council. It situates the research–policy interface within Ireland’s changing research and innovation system and considers how funders can act not only as grant makers, but also as conveners, brokers and strategic system leaders. Drawing on the development of programmes, including COALESCE, New Foundations, the National Challenge Fund and the Public Sector Fellowship Programme, alongside experience from sectoral agencies, the article identifies the institutional conditions that support effective policy engagement. The analysis also highlights persistent challenges arising from differing research and policy timelines, fragmented networks, and the need to balance policy relevance with academic independence and foundational research. It argues that Research Ireland’s cross-disciplinary remit creates an opportunity to develop a more coherent national approach to research for policy.