In the UK, Areas of Research Interest (ARIs) are specific topics or issues that the government is interested in. They are a way for government organisations to indicate that they are keen to hear research evidence or insights related to that area.
This new report from Transforming Evidence (March 2025) provides insights into:
These insights come from two social science experts in evidence use in policy, who were seconded into the Government Office for Science. Between 2019 and 2023 Kathryn Oliver and Annette Boaz were tasked with optimising the production of ARIs across government and supporting effective and ethical engagement with ARIs across academic, intermediaries and funders.
Government departments are obliged to produce ARIs on a regular basis giving details about the main research questions they are facing. Other public sector organisations do so on a voluntary basis.
Used well, ARIs can help government departments ensure that their priorities are reflected in research and engagement budgets and activities. ARIs help external stakeholders such as funders and universities understand how they can constructively support this. ARIs can improve system functioning and connection and help deliver better public value for money.
Oliver K, Boaz A. (2025) The Areas of Research Interest: a mechanisms to improve evidence-policy/practice connections. (2025) Transforming Evidence Working Paper Series No. TE-2025-002. https//doi.10.70399/YHTI1273
