It’s a surreal feeling to be writing this farewell blog post. After an incredibly fulfilling year and a half, I am wrapping up my time as a Senior Research Associate at Evidence for Democracy (E4D). I joined E4D in November 2023, just a few weeks after graduating with my PhD. I remember feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness, eager to transition from academic research into the world of science policy, and wondering what that shift would look like in practice.
What I found was a team of passionate, sharp, and kind-hearted people who welcomed me with open arms and inspired me every day with their commitment to building a stronger democracy through science, evidence, and transparency. From my very first week, it was clear that E4D was more than just a workplace. It was a community, a learning space, and a hub for impact-driven work.
One of the most meaningful projects of my time at E4D was working on the Eyes on Evidence: Best Practices Toolkit. This project challenged me in all the right ways, combining research, stakeholder engagement, and effective knowledge translation to build a resource that helps bring transparency and accountability to evidence use in policymaking.
It wasn’t just about putting together a toolkit. It was about gathering insights from researchers across the globe, understanding where the gaps were, and curating something practical and usable to help bridge them. I am proud of what we created, and even prouder of how it has been taken up by people inside and outside of government.
I also had the opportunity to participate in a range of dialogues with policymakers about how evidence can be more effectively and transparently incorporated into decision-making. It is easy to feel cynical about policy from the outside, but these moments reminded me that there are so many passionate people working hard inside the system to make it better.
Beyond the toolkit itself, I was fortunate to be involved in a number of efforts to connect directly with government stakeholders. One particularly memorable experience was attending meetings of the Standing Committee on Science and Research. Sitting in that room and engaging with committee members gave me a firsthand look at how evidence can influence the conversations and decisions happening at the federal level. It was both a humbling and inspiring experience, and it reminded me of the important role civil society organizations like E4D can play in bridging research and policy.
Another thing I will always cherish is the network of incredible science advocates, researchers, and policy champions I have had the pleasure of meeting through E4D. Whether it was presenting at conferences, organizing roundtables, or collaborating on new ideas, I was constantly energized by the passion and creativity of the people in this space. There is something special about meeting others who care deeply about the same things, good governance, the role of science and research in society, making information accessible and decisions accountable.
One of the most joyful parts of my role was delivering programming for the Science to Policy Accelerator, a program that supports early career researchers in bringing their expertise into the policy world. I saw so many brilliant minds light up as they realized that their research could have a real-world impact beyond the lab or the journal article. Facilitating those conversations and helping researchers gain the tools and confidence to engage with policy was deeply rewarding and often reminded me of my own journey into this space.
Another highlight of my time at E4D was working alongside fellow organizations in the Coalition for Canadian Research. Together, we advocated for increased investment in science and research in Budget 2024. That collaborative effort demonstrated the power of a united voice, and I learned so much from engaging with colleagues across different organizations and sectors. It was an excellent reminder that lasting change often happens through collective action, shared goals, and the strength of diverse partnerships.
Looking back, I have learned more than I ever imagined, not just about policymaking, but about what it means to work collaboratively in a small team with limited resources. I have grown professionally and personally. I have learned to be a better listener, a better communicator, and a better collaborator.
I have also learned that policy work is just as much about people as it is about processes. The relationships, the trust-building, the quiet moments of shared reflection, these are just as important as the reports and recommendations. I am so thankful to have been part of an organization that values those human elements and puts them at the heart of its work.
To the E4D team, thank you for your mentorship, your trust, and your friendship. You challenged me to think bigger and deeper, and you gave me the space to grow into my voice. Thank you for letting me take risks, try new ideas, and be part of shaping projects that mattered. I have learned something from each one of you, and I will carry those lessons with me wherever I go.
To our partners, collaborators, and the wider E4D community, thank you for your dedication, your brilliance, and your belief in the power of evidence to make change. I have been inspired by your work and your commitment to creating a more transparent, inclusive, and democratic Canada.
As I turn the page to the next chapter of my journey, I carry deep gratitude for everything this role has given me and deep excitement for what lies ahead. I will be cheering E4D on from afar and will always be a proud advocate for its mission.
Until we cross paths again,
Simarpreet Singh
