4. Engaging with Modelling
Overview
This module explores the factors that influence engagement with modelling within policy and programme environments. Participants examine common barriers to the uptake of modelling, including technical literacy, trust, communication gaps, competing priorities, and funding constraints. The session also highlights enabling factors that support sustained engagement with modelling and evidence-informed decision-making.
By the end of this module, participants should be able to:
Identify the factors that influence engagement with modelling in policy and programme settings
Understand the barriers that limit the uptake and use of modelling evidence
Articulate how funding and partnerships can support sustainable modelling efforts
Modelling literacy and trust
Barriers to evidence uptake
Institutional readiness and capacity
Stakeholder engagement
Funding and sustainability for modelling initiatives
Delivery Plan
This module consists of a group exercise with feedback and discussion (2 hours).
| Topic | Description | Duration | Format |
| Introduction to the Session | Overview of the group activity | 5 min | Presentation |
| Group Exercise | Participants identify barriers and enabling factors within their contexts Develop strategies to improve engagement and uptake |
50 min | Small group break out exercise |
| Group Discussion | Groups report back on their discussion Facilitated discussion on emerging themes across the group |
50 min | Group discussion (plenary) |
| Reflection and Wrap-Up | Key takeaways from discussion Why modelling is underused in some contexts Perceptions and expectations around modelling Potential actions to strengthen engagement with modelling |
15 min | Presentation |
Practical Exercise
Exercise Title: Mapping Barriers and Opportunities
Instructions:
Fellows break away into their country groups to discussion barriers, opportunities, and preferred approaches to engaging with modelling in their countries. This exercise is guided by a worksheet with a set of prompting questions.
Questions for discussion cover the following topics:
Currently perception of the value in modelling
Barriers to the use of modelling to support decision-making in your country (e.g. data access, expertise, trust, funding, time)
Preferred partners to conduct the modelling work
Funding opportunities for modelling
Modes of engagement and communication
Each groups presents key points from their discussion followed by a facilitated discussion of emerging themes.
Facilitator Guidance
Encourage honest discussion around institutional and operational realities
Highlight that barriers are often organisational, not only technical
Draw connections between engagement, trust, and communication
Use practical examples from participants’ contexts where possible
We alternated between allocating groups with fellows from their own country teams or mixing across countries. For this exercise, we suggest grouping fellows by country so they can have a deeper discussion applied to their own context. Country experiences are then shared and contrasted during the report back and plenary discussion session.
Materials and Resources
Facilitator slides
Group discussion worksheets