This study examines how government experience shapes the direction, impact, and policy relevance of academic research. Specifically, we analyze the effect of scholars' participation on U.S. Federal Advisory Committees (FACs) on their research priorities and outcomes. By combining data on academic publications with FAC membership, we assess the relationship between government experience and various research characteristics. We further analyze comparable scholars with and without experience on the FACs to identify the plausible causal effects of government experience on academic research. Our findings offer insights into the interplay between academia and government, highlighting implications for fostering effective academic-government collaborations.