Advance Policy
Connecting Stanford Research with Environmental Decision-Making
Stanford Woods Policy & Engagement works at the intersection of scientific discovery, public policy, and leadership development. We connect Stanford researchers with policymakers, help decision-makers access trusted scientific expertise, and prepare the next generation of environmental leaders to translate research into action.
By fostering collaboration, supporting evidence-informed decision-making, and building leadership capacity, we strengthen the impact of Stanford research beyond academia to help address complex environmental challenges
For Stanford Researchers
Increase the Policy Impact of Your Research
Environmental research has the greatest impact when it reaches the people making decisions. Stanford Woods Policy & Engagement helps researchers connect with policymakers, translate research into policy-relevant resources, and engage strategically when opportunities arise.
Whether you're interested in informing legislation, advising agencies, or building long-term relationships with decision-makers, we can help.
What Researchers Gain
Working with Woods can help you:
• Reach policymakers and agency leaders working on issues related to your research.
• Become a trusted scientific resource for legislative offices and government agencies.
• Translate research into real-world policy and management decisions.
• Build collaborations with government, nonprofit, and philanthropic partners.
• Engage effectively when timely policy opportunities arise.
How We Help
Policy Translation
Transform published research into accessible research briefs and other decision-maker-ready resources.
Strategic Engagement
Connect with policymakers through meetings, briefings, workshops, and dialogues.
Policy Intelligence
Identify where your research intersects with emerging policy priorities.
Rapid Response
Engage quickly when policy windows open and decision-makers need scientific expertise.
Impact Strategy
Develop a tailored plan to increase the policy relevance and reach of your research.
For Policymakers
Trusted Scientific Expertise for Environmental Decision-Making
Environmental policy is most effective when informed by the best available science. Stanford Woods Policy & Engagement connects policymakers with Stanford's interdisciplinary community of researchers to provide timely scientific expertise, foster dialogue on emerging environmental challenges, and support evidence-informed decision-making.
Whether you are developing legislation, designing programs, evaluating policy options, or responding to emerging environmental issues, we can help you identify the right experts and create opportunities for meaningful engagement with Stanford research. We also recognize that policymakers bring invaluable practical experience, helping researchers better understand policy needs while mentoring the next generation of environmental leaders.
How We Can Help
Connect with Stanford Experts
We help policymakers identify and engage with Stanford faculty and researchers whose expertise aligns with current environmental challenges. Whether you're seeking technical expertise, scientific context, or long-term collaboration, we can connect you with the right people.
We can help facilitate:
• Expert briefings
• Meetings with Stanford faculty and researchers
• Scientific consultation on emerging issues
• Connections to interdisciplinary expertise across the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability and the broader university
Briefings, Workshops, and Boot Camps
Stanford Woods convenes workshops, policy dialogues, and intensive boot camps that bring together researchers and decision-makers to explore complex environmental issues, discuss emerging science, and examine policy options.
Our programs provide opportunities for policymakers to:
• Learn directly from leading Stanford researchers
• Engage in candid, nonpartisan discussions of complex environmental challenges
• Build relationships across government, academia, and other sectors
• Explore practical, science-informed approaches to policy development
Recent programs have included policy boot camps for congressional, California legislative, and state agency staff focused on issues such as wildfire, climate resilience, and natural resource management.
Learn more about Policy Boot Camps
2026 California Policy Wildfire Boot Camp
Visiting Policy Fellows Program
Experienced public servants have valuable perspectives that enrich research, education, and leadership development.
Through the Visiting Policy Fellows Program, senior leaders from federal and state agencies spend time at Stanford collaborating with faculty, mentoring graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, participating in public events, and contributing to research and policy discussions.
The program creates lasting relationships between academia and government while strengthening the exchange of knowledge between scientific research and public service.
Learn more about the Visiting Policy Fellows Program
Partner With Us
We welcome opportunities to collaborate with:
• Federal, state, local, and tribal governments
• Legislative offices and committees
• Public agencies
• International organizations
• Nonprofit organizations
• Philanthropic organizations
Whether you're looking for scientific expertise, interested in hosting a briefing, exploring collaborative research, or participating in one of our leadership programs, we'd be pleased to discuss how Stanford Woods can support your work.
Contact Policy & Engagement
Camayia Daniels, Federal Policy Coordinator
Lea Rosenbohm, Federal policy Director
Sarina Patel, California State Policy Manager