biostudies-literatureScott JTNICHD NIH HHSSocial Science Research Institute, Pennsylvania State UniversityHuck Institutes of the Life SciencesNational Science Foundation12https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC10160730biostudies-literatureUnknown18(1)While prior work has revealed conditions that foster policymakers' use of research evidence, few studies have rigorously investigated the effectiveness of theory-based practices. Specifically, policymakers are most apt to use research evidence when it is timely, relevant, brief, and messaged appropriately, as well as when it facilitates interactive engagement. This study sought to experimentally evaluate an enhanced research dissemination intervention, known as the SciComm Optimizer for Policy Engagement (SCOPE), implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic among US state legislators. State legislators assigned to health committees and their staff were randomized to receive the SCOPE intervention. This involved providing academic researchers with a pathway for translating and disseminating resImplementation science : ISSciComm Optimizer for Policy Engagement: a randomized controlled trial of the SCOPE model on state legislators' research use in public discourse.PMC10160730SMA-2030660P50 HD089922Giray CLong ECScott JTPugel JGay BFernandes MACrowley DMCollier KMCruz KO'Neill PfalseSciComm Optimizer for Policy Engagement: a randomized controlled trial of the SCOPE model on state legislators' research use in public discourse.While prior work has revealed conditions that foster policymakers' use of research evidence, few studies have rigorously investigated the effectiveness of theory-based practices. Specifically, policymakers are most apt to use research evidence when it is timely, relevant, brief, and messaged appropriately, as well as when it facilitates interactive engagement. This study sought to experimentally evaluate an enhanced research dissemination intervention, known as the SciComm Optimizer for Policy Engagement (SCOPE), implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic among US state legislators. State legislators assigned to health committees and their staff were randomized to receive the SCOPE intervention. This involved providing academic researchers with a pathway for translating and disseminating res2023-01-01T00:00:00Z2023 May2025-04-21T22:47:10.71Z2025-04-05T18:59:07.159ZS-EPMC101607303714764310.1186/s13012-023-01268-1