Promises, Pitfalls, and Pathways to Policy Influence

This is an invitation-only event

Many scholars want their research to have influence outside academia. They aim, not only to understand the world through the lens of academic research, but to make the world better because of their research. Yet, having influence is more difficult than is generally assumed. At this half-day event, IGCC scholars experienced in policy engagement will share stories from the frontlines, and provide thoughtful, nuanced, and candid reflections on what influence is—and what it isn’t; on “what works” and what are the potential pitfalls to avoid. Speakers from UC Federal Government Relations will also lead a session on what the current U.S. political environment means for academic research and engagement in the short- and long-term.

This program is part of the UCDC Presidential Faculty Fellows Program, an initiative to train UC faculty in how to engage with decisionmakers and communicate their research effectively to audiences outside the academy. The initiative consists of free virtual seminars throughout the spring, culminating in an in-person conference in Washington, D.C. May 18-20, 2026 that includes in-depth training and exposure on Capitol Hill for a cohort of UC faculty selected from across UC campuses.

For questions, email Marie Thiveos Stewart at: mthiveos@ucsd.edu.

Speakers

Tai Ming Cheung is co-director of the UC Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation (IGCC) and a professor at the UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy. He is a long-time analyst of Chinese and East Asian defense and national security affairs, especially defense economic, industrial and science, and technological issues.

Andrew Reddie is an associate research professor at UC Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy, and founder of the Berkeley Risk and Security Lab. His research at the intersection of technology, politics, and security examines how technology shapes international order—with a focus on nuclear weapons policy, cybersecurity, AI governance, and innovation policy.

Host

Lindsay Shingler is the associate director of IGCC, where she leads communications, publications, and strategic initiatives. Shingler has more than 20 years of experience in writing, editing, and strategic communications, with an emphasis on global affairs, health, and international development.