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Infrastructure to Connect
A bridge metaphor is frequently used to describe attempts to connect the disparate worlds of research and policy. A trestle is a brace that supports a connecting structure, which we believe rests on linking people in service of the public good.
Vision
Effective policies are critical for delivering on government officials’ promise to make prudent decisions for the common good. Scientific research yields a return on investment if it improves lives. Harnessing research and data about policy problems and solutions has the power to represent thousands of voices and provide lasting benefit to our communities.
Mission
TrestleLink provides nonpartisan services that expand and develop infrastructure to connect research and policy communities. This includes proven, politically-neutral research translation models that increase the value of research for policymakers and efficient pathways for scholars to engage legislatures without lobbying.
History
We harness evidence for action as a throughline critical to our mission. The field studying how policymakers use research evidence was shaped by Carol Weiss and Nathan Caplan who wrote in 1979 that policymakers’ use of research evidence was hindered by a lack of interpersonal connections with researchers despite the promise of research for shaping how policymakers think about timely and critical issues.
Inspired by this fundamental research, Theodora Ooms created the Family Impact Seminar model in 1988, which was subsequently brought to a national scale under Karen Bogenschneider’s fearless leadership. The Research-to-Policy Collaboration model was similarly inspired by theoretical research and launched in 2015 by Taylor Scott and Max Crowley within the National Prevention Science Coalition. Following an experimental trial that demonstrated the value of the RPC model for lawmakers, TrestleLink was created as a home for expanding the availability of infrastructure that connects researchers and policymakers and officially incorporated on June 16, 2021.
Core Principles
Leadership
TrestleLink is currently operated by a dedicated Board of Directors and delivers its services via contracts with skilled consultants.
BOARD MEMBER
Lauren Supplee, PhD
Dr. Lauren Supplee is a senior leader of a federal research, evaluation and data office. Previously, she worked as a senior program officer at the William T. Grant Foundation, leading initiatives to approaches for improving the use of research evidence in policy and practice, as well as the institutional challenge grants program. In her career, she has become a well-respected expert and leader in both evaluating and developing evidence-based policy initiatives. As a TrestleLink Board Member, Dr. Supplee brings substantial experience for developing strategic initiatives for transforming research impact and achieving policy effectiveness.