Policy and Influence


Picture shows (l-r) Chancellor of the University of Oxford, Lord Patten of Barnes; Director General of the World Trade Organisation, Pascal Lamy; and Director of the Oxford Martin School, Professor Ian Goldin at an Oxford Martin School Distinguished Public Lecture  'Global governance, local governments'.

The Oxford Martin School aims to become a leading source of policy-relevant research. Impact is an essential criterion for membership and all of our scholars are expected to work hard to translate and promote their ideas to help inform evidence-based policy making.

Our academics have informed thinking around significant global policy debates. They have helped develop alternatives beyond the Kyoto Protocol, provided timely advice to organisations such as the World Health Organization on dangerous global pandemics, and contributed to influential UN Human Development reports. Closer to home, academics from the Oxford Martin School have helped challenge the UK Government to explore policy questions beyond the electoral term – from drug scenario planning, to the future sustainability of tropical forests, to the longer term implications of an ageing population for public services.

Through workshops, lectures, private forums, policy debates and seminars, the School provides opportunities for policy makers, industry leaders and academics to explore and debate critical issues of the 21st century, whilst also fostering networks for robust exchange and advice.

Oxford Martin School's Head of Policy is Natalie Day.