Mid- and senior-career professionals in science, technology, engineering, and innovation can join the UK Government Fellowship 2026 through the DSIT Fellowship 2026–2027, a unique opportunity to contribute expertise to public policy and government decision-making.
Overview
What if your expertise could help shape government policies that influence the future of science, technology, innovation, and economic growth?
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) Fellowship 2026–2027 offers experienced professionals the opportunity to work alongside UK civil servants and contribute directly to government policy development.
The fellowship is a 12-month part-time secondment designed for experts from academia, industry, engineering, technology, economics, and related fields who want to bring their knowledge and experience into government.
Participants join DSIT policy teams, helping to address some of the most important science and technology challenges facing the United Kingdom while gaining valuable insight into how government works.
About the DSIT Fellowship
The DSIT Fellowship builds on the success of previous fellowship cohorts and the Expert Exchange Programme, which connected external experts with government departments to strengthen evidence-based policymaking.
The programme enables specialists from outside government to spend part of their time working within DSIT, providing expert advice and helping shape policy initiatives across a range of science, innovation, and technology priorities.
Rather than a full-time placement, the fellowship operates as a part-time secondment over 12 months, allowing fellows to maintain their professional roles while contributing their expertise to government work.
What Will Fellows Gain?
The fellowship offers a rare opportunity to influence public policy while developing new professional skills and networks.
Influence Government Policy
Fellows will:
- Contribute expert knowledge to government policy development
- Support key science and technology initiatives
- Help inform strategic government decisions
- Work directly alongside policymakers and civil servants
Gain First-Hand Government Experience
Participants will:
- Learn how government and the Civil Service operate
- Understand how policy is developed and implemented
- Gain insight into regulatory and public sector processes
- Develop a practical understanding of policymaking
Professional Development Opportunities
Fellows will benefit from:
- Civil Service training programmes
- Departmental learning opportunities
- Exposure to senior government officials
- Access to policy-focused professional development
Expand Professional Networks
Participants will build connections with:
- Senior civil servants
- Government policymakers
- Industry experts
- Researchers and academics
- Other fellowship participants
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is designed for experienced professionals with expertise in science, innovation, engineering, technology, economics, and related disciplines.
Applicants must:
- Be mid-career or senior professionals
- Be employed under a formal employment contract
- Be paid through PAYE arrangements
- Be participating through a secondment agreement with their employer
In addition, applicants must be directly affiliated with one of the programme’s partner organizations.
Eligible Partner Organizations
Applicants must be affiliated with one of the following:
- Royal Society
- Royal Academy of Engineering
- techUK
- Institution of Engineering and Technology
- Academy of Medical Sciences
- British Academy
- Royal Economic Society
- BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT
- Royal Society of Edinburgh
Affiliation may include membership, fellowship, award holder status, or another qualifying relationship recognized by the relevant organization.
What Kind of Work Will Fellows Do?
Successful fellows will join policy teams within DSIT and contribute expertise to areas aligned with departmental priorities.
Typical responsibilities may include:
- Providing specialist advice
- Supporting policy development
- Contributing evidence and analysis
- Advising on science and technology issues
- Participating in strategic projects
- Supporting policy implementation
The exact placement depends on the fellow’s expertise and departmental needs.
Benefits for Employers
The programme is also designed to benefit participating organizations.
Employers can gain:
- Employees with enhanced policy expertise
- Improved understanding of government processes
- New networks across government and the Civil Service
- Greater capacity to engage with policymakers
- Professional development opportunities for staff
In addition, DSIT reimburses employer costs associated with the employee’s fellowship participation up to the equivalent Civil Service pay band level.
How Are Fellows Selected?
Applications are assessed based on:
- Relevance of expertise to available placements
- Potential contribution to DSIT priorities
- Suitability for specific policy teams
- Outcomes of matching conversations and interviews
The final cohort is selected with consideration for diversity, balance, and the needs of host teams.
Selection Process
The recruitment process typically includes:
Matching Conversations
Shortlisted applicants are invited to interviews, known as matching conversations, with potential host teams.
Final Selection
The final fellowship cohort is selected after matching discussions and internal assessments.
Onboarding and Security Checks
Successful applicants must complete required onboarding procedures and security clearances before beginning their placements.
Programme Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | DSIT Fellowship 2026–2027 |
| Host Organization | UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology |
| Duration | 12 Months |
| Format | Part-Time Secondment |
| Location | United Kingdom |
| Eligible Applicants | Mid- to Senior-Career Professionals |
| Focus Areas | Science, Technology, Innovation, Engineering, Economics and Policy |
| Employment Requirement | Must Be Employed on PAYE |
| Fellowship Start | Autumn 2026 |
Important Update
Applications for the DSIT Fellowship 2026–2027 closed on 6 May 2026.
The information remains useful for professionals interested in future fellowship cohorts and similar government engagement opportunities.
Conclusion
The DSIT Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for experienced professionals to bridge the gap between expertise and policymaking.
By bringing specialists into government, the programme helps strengthen evidence-based decision-making while giving fellows valuable insight into how public policy is developed and implemented.
Although applications for the 2026–2027 cohort have now closed, professionals interested in shaping science and technology policy should monitor future fellowship announcements from DSIT and its partner organizations.
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