Every year, Kenyan universities conduct research that ends up on the shelves and repositories without impacting Kenyans' lives. I know many academic researchers who do excellent work that has never been implemented in the public policy sphere. Universities are bastions of knowledge, fostering academic excellence and cultivating the next generation of leaders. But reforming academic research policies in our universities can significantly increase of uptake of research in policy-making processes. One of the first steps towards ensuring academic research informs public policy is to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration within universities. Complex problems often require a multifaceted approach, and by breaking down the barriers between disciplines, universities can better address these challenges. For instance, environmental issues may necessitate input from ecologists, economists, sociologists, and engineers. Facilitating cross-disciplinary research teams within universities can lead to more comprehensive and effective policy recommendations.