Editorial - Tapping the potential of research-based advocacy

Abstract

The value of both policy-relevant research and evidence-informed policy in public health and health promotion is well documented. Interestingly, research-based policy advocacy is one arena in which these approaches become very directly and immediately linked. Research-based advocacy for policy has been a powerful force in tobacco control and is building momentum in some aspects of alcohol policy. There is also a rising current of policy-directed advocacy to redress obesity-promoting social and environmental factors, including food marketing to children, food labelling and active living environments. As one of health promotion?s most powerful tools, research-based advocacy encapsulates many of the strengths of health promotion. It draws upon specialised research skills and links them with public communication methods. Importantly, it is guided by clear goals and a vision of an environment and society that protects and values people?s well-being. Both the research and the communication activities that characterise advocacy seek to spotlight aspects of society that may be taken for granted, but which work against people?s interests; they can provide a focused and organised examination of what is going on and promote the alternatives as feasible policy options.