Policy Research

Udisha Saklani | Policy Consultant | National University Of Singapore

Policy Research

Udisha Saklani
Policy Consultant | National University Of Singapore

[ 3 years & 4 months Experience ]

What is Policy Research?

Policy Research is a great Career option. One should first understand What a Career in Policy Research entails before investing time and effort to figure out How to start a Career in Policy Research. The most authoritative source of information on Policy Research is someone with real experience in it.

Policy Consultant Udisha Saklani has worked in Policy Research for 3 years & 4 months. Policy Consultant Udisha Saklani outlines Policy Research as:

The study of public policy includes the analysis of both the process of policymaking and the contents of policy. Policy analysis includes substantive area research, program evaluation and impact studies, and policy design.

How Policy Consultant Udisha Saklani got into Policy Research?

I did my Schooling from Welham Girls' School, Dehradun and my Graduation in Maths (Hons) from St Stephens College, Delhi University. I then did my Masters in Public Policy from National University of Singapore. Currently, I work as a a Policy Researcher at the Institute of Water Policy, National University of Singapore.

Policy Consultant Udisha Saklani's Talk on Policy Research

The Journey of a Policy Researcher: Abisha’s Insights on Impacting Water Management Abisha, a dedicated policy researcher at the Institute of Water Policy, takes us on her journey navigating the complexities of water management in India. With a rich educational background in Mathematics and Public Policy, she dives into the challenging world of policy research, where her work shapes the future of resource management amid growing urban demands. In this article, we explore her experience, the pivotal role of education, essential skills, the positives and challenges of the field, and a glimpse into her daily life as a researcher. What Is Policy Research? Policy research serves as an investigative lens through which governments and organizations can evaluate and improve policies that affect public welfare. It involves analyzing government schemes, identifying real-life issues, and understanding institutional bottlenecks. For Abisha, this means engaging with communities and interviewing officials to comprehend the lifecycle of policies and their impacts, particularly regarding water conflict and management. With significant insights drawn from global practices—like Singapore's water recycling initiatives—policy research becomes a vital tool in developing tailored recommendations that address local contexts and governance challenges. Education Economics A strong grounding in economics is essential for anyone pursuing a career in public policy, as it informs how each government scheme interacts with the economy and its citizens. Abisha highlights that understanding the principles of economic theory, including costs, benefits, and the broader implications of national and global economies, forms the backbone of effective policy analysis. This knowledge helps researchers critically assess the implications of policies on various population segments. Political Science Equally important is knowledge of political science, as it helps researchers understand the political landscape that governs public policy decisions. Abisha emphasizes the necessity of understanding both domestic and international politics, particularly when dealing with issues like trans-boundary rivers. Effective cooperation often hinges on stable geopolitical relationships, making this understanding crucial for successful water management initiatives. Sociology Abisha points out that sociology provides researchers with insights into societal norms and how they affect policy implementation. Understanding social dynamics is vital, especially when evaluating community perceptions and acceptance of initiatives like water recycling. This social context can be the difference between the success and failure of a policy, as evidenced by her studies on varying reactions to drinking recycled water. International Relations & History In an increasingly interconnected world, the significance of international relations and historical context cannot be understated. Abisha believes that these subjects inform how countries interact, especially in matters that cross borders, like shared water resources. A robust understanding of these subjects equips researchers to address governance complexities that transcend national boundaries and require cooperative strategies. Geography Geographical knowledge underpins much of policy research, specifically in the environmental sciences. Abisha notes that geography encompasses both the physical and humanistic aspects of water management, helping researchers grasp local conditions, water availability, and community needs. This multidisciplinary understanding allows for designing nuanced interventions that consider both ecological and societal factors. Development Studies Finally, development studies intersect seamlessly with public policy, incorporating various disciplines essential for effective governance. Abisha considers this field vital for fostering a broad understanding of development challenges and enabling researchers to leverage multi-faceted approaches when proposing policy solutions. Skills Analytical Skills To thrive in policy research, strong analytical skills are paramount, as the ability to view issues from multiple perspectives shapes impactful solutions. As Abisha notes, researchers must identify challenges and analyze data critically to derive effective recommendations for change. This skillset drives the research process, allowing for a deeper understanding of policy implications. Writing & Speaking Clear communication is another cornerstone of successful policy research. Abisha emphasizes the importance of articulating findings effectively to ensure research reaches the intended audience. The ability to write persuasively and speak confidently about research findings not only enhances the researcher’s visibility but also influences policy discussions and public acceptance. Reading A voracious appetite for reading is necessary in this field, as researchers must digest extensive literature to build a robust foundation for their work. According to Abisha, this involves sifting through academic papers, news articles, and data, which can be time-consuming yet essential for crafting informed policies. A genuine love for reading can make the research journey less tedious and more enjoyable. Passion Passion fuels perseverance in the often tedious world of policy research. Abisha believes that genuine interest in the subject matter is crucial for sustaining motivation through long hours of reading and analysis. Passion translates into the energy needed to tackle complex topics, navigate challenges, and ultimately produce meaningful research outcomes. Autonomy Policy researchers typically enjoy significant autonomy in structuring their work. Abisha relishes this freedom, as it allows her to explore topics that resonate with her interests and drive her research direction. This independence fosters creativity and innovation, empowering researchers to engage deeply with their subject matter. Positives Awareness & Multi-dimensional Perspective One of the joys of being a policy researcher is the exposure to diverse fields and ideas, enriching one’s understanding of complex societal issues. Abisha appreciates that this career enables her to develop a multi-dimensional perspective that broadens her awareness of the interconnected nature of governance, society, and environmental concerns. Exposure Through fieldwork and research collaborations, policy researchers gain unique insights into various cultural and geographical contexts. Abisha’s experiences interacting with communities and professionals from different backgrounds have profoundly shaped her understanding of water management practices, making her work not only impactful but also personally rewarding. Strong Expressions & Communication Engaging with diverse stakeholders enhances communication skills, a vital asset in any career. Abisha notes that regular presentations and discussions sharpen her ability to communicate ideas clearly and effectively, benefiting her professional development and widening her influence in public policy discussions. Societal Impact Lastly, the opportunity to create tangible societal impact is a significant motivator for policy researchers like Abisha. By addressing critical issues such as sanitation and water management, her work contributes to improving lives and fostering social good. This ability to affect change serves as a powerful incentive to persist in the challenging but rewarding field of policy research. Challenges Slow Process One challenge in this field is the often slow pace of research. Abisha acknowledges that the intricate nature of policy analysis and the need for thorough, evidence-based recommendations mean that outcomes may take time to materialize. This slow process can sometimes feel overwhelming, necessitating patience and resilience from researchers. Patience with Research Patience is essential, as researchers often spend long periods delving into complex issues before even beginning to formulate conclusions. Abisha describes this painstaking process, emphasizing that quick outcomes are rare and that substantial patience is required to bring important insights to light. Self-driven The demand for self-motivation can be daunting, as much of a researcher's time is spent independently without constant oversight. Abisha understands that setting goals and staying driven is crucial, especially during the more monotonous phases of research, where personal passion can make a significant difference in achieving success. A Day Of Policy Research A typical day for Abisha is a blend of reading, analyzing, and interacting with the broader community. Her mornings usually commence with keeping abreast of relevant news articles and reports that impact her field of study. Whether examining current water issues or exploring new government policies, this daily habit ensures she is well-informed and prepared for her research endeavors. As her day unfolds, Abisha transitions to in-depth reading of peer-reviewed articles and drafting her own written pieces on subjects like cooperative hydropower efforts between India and Bhutan. With team meetings conducted online, collaboration with her peers contributes fresh insights and encourages a shared understanding of the issues at hand. Fieldwork further enriches her daily experience, allowing her to engage directly with communities affected by water-related challenges. Conducting interviews and surveys offers an invaluable opportunity to understand firsthand the impacts of government policies and fosters a holistic view of the situations she studies. This mix of desk and field research not only keeps Abisha intellectually stimulated but also affirms her commitment to creating effective and inclusive policy recommendations. As she reflects on her career, it is clear that policy research holds immense importance in shaping sustainable solutions for societal challenges. Abisha's insights serve as a reminder that the rigorous work of understanding and improving policies can lead to significant benefits for communities and the environment. It is a profession where knowledge, passion, and dedication converge to create change, making it both a rewarding and impactful career choice.

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Links for this Talk

Policy Consultant Udisha Saklani's LifePage:

[LifePage]
https://www.lifepage.in/page/udishasaklani

LifePage Career Talk on Policy Research

[Career]
https://www.lifepage.in/careers/policy-research

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20190601-0003

(Policy Research, Udisha Saklani, National University Of Singapore, Research, Policy, Public Policy, Consultancy, Governance, Economics, Politics)

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