Applications are open for the UKRI Policy Fellowships 2026. Researchers can work directly with UK government departments and public bodies to address major policy challenges while advancing their academic careers through a fully funded fellowship.
Overview
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has opened applications for the Sector Transition: UKRI Policy Fellowships 2026 programme, providing researchers with a unique opportunity to work alongside policymakers and contribute directly to evidence-informed public policy.
The Policy Fellowships programme is designed to strengthen connections between the research community and government institutions by embedding researchers within policy environments where they can help address complex societal, economic, environmental, and technological challenges.
Through these fellowships, successful applicants will gain first-hand experience of policymaking while applying their research expertise to real-world issues facing government and public sector organizations.
About the UKRI Policy Fellowships
The UKRI Policy Fellowships programme supports the exchange of knowledge between academia and policymaking institutions. Fellows work closely with host organizations, government departments, public bodies, and policy teams to contribute evidence-based insights that support decision-making processes.
The Sector Transition stream focuses on understanding and addressing major transitions affecting society, industry, technology, sustainability, and public services.
The programme enables researchers to:
- Build long-term relationships with policymakers
- Increase the impact of their research
- Develop policy engagement skills
- Contribute to national and international policy priorities
- Enhance evidence-informed policymaking
Benefits
Successful fellows may receive:
Fellowship Funding
- Full fellowship funding from UKRI
- Salary support through eligible institutions
- Research and project-related funding where applicable
Professional Development
- Direct experience working within policy environments
- Exposure to government decision-making processes
- Access to senior policymakers and stakeholders
- Enhanced leadership and communication skills
Career Advancement
- Strengthened academic and policy networks
- Increased research impact
- Opportunities for future policy engagement
- Recognition as a policy-engaged researcher
Knowledge Exchange
- Collaboration with government departments and public bodies
- Opportunities to influence policy development
- Access to interdisciplinary expertise and networks
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility requirements vary depending on the specific fellowship opportunity, but applicants are generally expected to:
Research Background
- Be an established researcher or academic
- Be affiliated with an eligible research organization
- Demonstrate expertise relevant to the fellowship theme
Institutional Support
Applicants typically require support from:
- An eligible research institution
- Their employer or host organization
- Relevant research office where applicable
Leadership Requirement
Applicants must:
- Serve as the project lead
- Be responsible for the fellowship application
- Lead the proposed work if selected
Only the applicant and authorized research office staff may edit or submit the application.
What Fellows Do
Depending on the host organization and fellowship focus, fellows may:
- Conduct policy-relevant research
- Provide evidence and analysis for policy development
- Support government decision-making
- Develop policy briefings and reports
- Engage with stakeholders across sectors
- Facilitate knowledge exchange between academia and government
- Contribute to strategic policy discussions
Who Should Apply?
The programme is suitable for:
- Academic researchers
- Social scientists
- Public policy specialists
- Environmental researchers
- Technology and innovation experts
- Health researchers
- Economists
- Interdisciplinary scholars
- Researchers interested in public impact and policymaking
Application Process
Step 1: Review Fellowship Opportunity
Carefully review the specific UKRI Policy Fellowship opportunity and confirm eligibility.
Step 2: Confirm Project Leadership
Applicants must confirm that they will personally lead the fellowship project if successful.
Step 3: Develop Fellowship Proposal
Prepare a strong proposal demonstrating:
- Research expertise
- Policy relevance
- Potential impact
- Alignment with fellowship objectives
Step 4: Obtain Institutional Approval
Coordinate with your research organization or research office where required.
Step 5: Submit Application
Applications must be submitted through the UKRI application system before the published deadline.
Required Documents
Applicants may be required to provide:
- Fellowship application form
- Research proposal
- Career history and CV
- Institutional support documentation
- Project leadership confirmation
- Additional supporting materials specified by UKRI
Deadline
Applicants should refer to the specific UKRI Policy Fellowship opportunity page for official deadlines and submission requirements.
Early preparation is strongly recommended due to the competitive nature of the programme.
Summary Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | UKRI Policy Fellowships 2026 |
| Funder | UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) |
| Fellowship Theme | Sector Transition |
| Type | Policy Fellowship |
| Location | United Kingdom |
| Funding | Fully Funded |
| Target Group | Researchers and Academics |
| Focus | Research-to-Policy Engagement |
| Application Requirement | Applicant Must Lead Project |
| Host Organisations | Government Departments and Public Bodies |
Conclusion
The UKRI Policy Fellowships 2026 programme offers researchers an exceptional opportunity to bridge the gap between research and policymaking. By working directly with government institutions and public bodies, fellows can apply their expertise to pressing policy challenges while developing valuable professional skills and expanding the impact of their research.
Researchers interested in shaping evidence-based policy and contributing to societal change should consider applying for this prestigious fellowship opportunity.
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