Library Help: Office For Open Research

What are policy citation metrics?

Policy citation metrics measure the influence of academic research on public policy by analysing how often scholarly work is cited in policy documents, white papers, and government reports. These metrics can provide valuable insights into the societal impact of research, highlighting its role in shaping laws, regulations, and organisational strategies.

By connecting academic output to real-world decision-making, policy citation metrics can help to demonstrate the tangible value of research to society, stakeholders, and funding bodies.

Why should I use policy citation metrics?

Policy citation metrics can offer several key benefits:

• Showcase Societal Impact: Demonstrate how your research contributes to shaping policies and solving societal challenges.

• Strengthen Funding Applications: Highlight the practical relevance and influence of your research to attract funding or support from stakeholders.

• Understand Research Reach: Discover how and where your research is being utilised beyond academia.

• Identify Opportunities for Engagement: Find organisations, governments, or institutions referencing your work to explore potential collaborations or partnerships.

For researchers, policy citation metrics can be instrumental in telling a compelling story about the broader importance of their work.

How can I access policy citation metrics?

Policy citation metrics can be accessed through Overton.io, a comprehensive platform that tracks references to research in policy documents. Please see our guidance on using Overton for further information.

If you require further assistance please contact the Office for Open Research