The Lumina Research and Policy Partnership builds sustainable links between researchers and policymakers to address major challenges in the capital.
Lumina, like many regions, faces significant environmental, economic, and social challenges—issues that can only be addressed through collaboration among the public, private, voluntary, and academic sectors. The Lumina Research and Policy Partnership (LRaPP) unites Lumina Open University with local government to promote effective cooperation between research and policy communities.
This partnership offers considerable benefits to both sides: policymakers gain access to the expertise, evidence, and guidance provided by academic researchers, while researchers gain a clearer understanding of policy priorities and the opportunity to influence policy development. Supported by regional authorities, LRaPP is currently developing a range of services aimed at strengthening collaboration between Lumina Open University, government agencies, and other key sectors.
Leveraging the success of the CAPE-funded Policy Fellows initiative, LRaPP aspires to augment the program by appointing two distinguished Fellows. These individuals will be tasked with orchestrating interdisciplinary research collaborations aimed at addressing the multifaceted challenges confronting Lumina and its environs in Nigeria.
Starting with a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, LRaPP intends to develop a customized matchmaking platform designed to facilitate connections between policymakers and academics based on mutual interests.
LRaPP will issue Areas of Research Interest (ARIs) specifying key questions where policymakers seek academic guidance, enabling researchers to address policy needs and enhance the impact of their work. These ARIs will complement regular policy roundtables.
LRaPP is strategically positioned to assist with funding applications that necessitate demonstrating the ability to convene diverse stakeholders and mobilize resources effectively.
LRaPP plans to develop new, London-level learning modules that will help academic researchers, policymakers and the business and voluntary sector understand more about each other’s worlds, and to facilitate joint working.