The Policy Advocacy Lab (PAL) is an initiative of Prof. Dr. Darren Halpin (Australian National University), Dr. Bert Fraussen (Leiden University) and Dr. Herschel F. Thomas (West Virginia University). We consider policy advocacy organisations to include interest groups, social movement organizations and think tanks. However, we also examine individuals engaged in advocacy, specifically commercial lobbyists, public campaigners and citizen lobbyist.
The broad mission is to engage in foundational research, conduct outreach with practitioners, deliver research-led education, and foster public debate and discussion around themes associated with policy advocacy.
The PAL will act as a bridge between the University community, the political community and broader society. Specifically it links foundational research and educational activities to those engaged in the world of policy advocacy.