What are policy citations and how can I use them?

Answer

What are policy citation metrics?

Policy citation metrics measure how academic research influences public policy by tracking citations of scholarly work in:

  • Government reports

  • White papers

  • Policy documents from think tanks, NGOs, and intergovernmental organisations

These metrics offer a way to understand how research contributes to real-world decision-making—from shaping public services and legal frameworks to influencing health, education, or environmental policy.

Why should I use policy citation metrics?

Policy citations help demonstrate the societal relevance of your work. They can be used to:

  • Showcase societal impact
    Evidence how your research is helping to address real-world challenges or inform public debate.

  • Support funding or impact case studies
    Highlight practical applications of your research to strengthen grant proposals, REF submissions, or institutional reporting.

  • Understand your research’s reach
    Track how and where your work is cited in non-academic contexts.

  • Identify engagement opportunities
    Spot government bodies or policy organisations referencing your work—potential leads for collaboration, consultancy, or public engagement.

When used responsibly, policy citation data can help build a richer picture of how research connects with the wider world.

How can I access policy citation metrics?

Policy citations can be explored using Overton.io—the world’s largest database of policy documents that cite academic research. Overton covers:

  • National and international government publications

  • Reports from think tanks, NGOs, and IGOs

  • Sources from over 180 countries and 1,000+ organisations

With Overton, you can:

  • Search for policy documents citing your work (by author, DOI, or institution)

  • Explore citations by geography, sector, or publisher

  • Identify documents where your work has had a policy influence
     

👉 See our Overton guidance for help getting started.
If you require further assistance please contact the Office for Open Research

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  • Last Updated 20 May 2025
  • Views 77
  • Answered By John Hynes

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