The courtroom was set: a panel of jury members, an audience to witness the proceedings, a presiding judge to guide the process, and a brief of evidence on trial. On 15 May 2025, the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome (MLW) Programme’s Policy Unit staged a compelling and innovative event at Sunbird Lilongwe Hotel, a courtroom-style Evidence Jury. The unique format brought together policymakers, researchers, and programme implementers to rigorously examine research evidence in a collaborative, transparent setting.

The focus was on two briefs developed by the Policy Unit: one for the Ministry of Health and another for the Ministry of Energy. These briefs were prepared in response to specific policy questions submitted through the Policy Unit’s rapid response service, which delivers timely, synthesised, and policy-relevant research in Clean Energy, Climate Change, and Health Sectors

The Evidence Jury created a dynamic platform for assessing the relevance, feasibility, impact, and equity implications of the proposed policy options. The interactive format sparked critical discussion and encouraged reflection on how evidence can be applied meaningfully within Malawi’s policy context.

The evidence jury was presided over by Associate Prof Arox Kamn’gona from KUHeS as the judge, while the jury panel consisted of members from diverse backgrounds and organisations, including Ministry of Health , Ministry of Gender, Ministry of Energy, CARE, Green Girls Platform, Mitch Waste Treatment Plant, UNICEF, KUHeS and  MUBAS, and was facilitated by Rodrick Sambakunsi, a Policy Engagement Support Fellow of the Policy Unit.

The session provided not only validation of the evidence presented but also offered nuanced perspectives and contextual feedback to strengthen the development and use of evidence products and to enhance the Policy Unit’s future outputs. By bridging the gap between evidence and decision-making, the Evidence Jury demonstrated the power of inclusive dialogue in strengthening policy influence and uptake.