Institute for Policy Research

A leading public policy research institute, based at the University of Bath.

Spotlight

Highlights from our latest research, analysis, activities and programmes.

New policy brief calls for stronger evaluation standards to support access to higher education

Icon of a checklist with a magnifying glass and a checkmark.

Higher education providers have introduced initiatives to improve access and widen participation, but the evaluation of what works needs a refresh.

New blog: How can the West of England contribute to UK economic growth?

Icons of cogs and an increasing bar chart over a map of England that highlights the South West.

Lucy Martin explores the West of England’s diverse economy and highlights the challenges and opportunities facing the region.

New blog: A re-vision for water

Icons of water droplets in front of a clipboard with a checklist.

Kemi Adeyeye explores what the government's 'A New Vision for Water' white paper means for water governance.

Upcoming event: Why populists are winning: and how to beat them

Icon of person giving a speech at a lectern in front of a crowd. There are other icons representing media and politics in the background.

On 30 April, Liam Byrne sets out what is driving the rise of populism, and what can be done about it.

Upcoming event: How the Blair governments reshaped the country

Connected icons representing welfare, a government building and a politician, with a question mark between them.

On 5 May, Glen O'Hara looks at what we can learn from New Labour's time in power.

Upcoming event: The mental load

Icon of a woman with thought bubbles around her. The bubbles have icons for family, work and childcare.

On 14 May, Leah Ruppanner explores the unequal distribution of the ‘mental load’ and the policies that could help rebalance it.

Our research

We aim to further the public good through research into issues of significant relevance to policy debate and decision-making.

UBILab@IPR

An icon of a pile of coins against a dark blue background

An interdisciplinary lab for research into Universal Basic Income (UBI).

Education, welfare and work

A graphic of a house and people in a pair of hands against a green background

Exploring the reform of education, welfare and work.

Sustainable futures and healthy living

A graphic of the globe against a bright green background

Exploring the interconnected economic, social, environmental and health challenges we face in the UK and globally.

Political economy and politics

An icon of a government building against a bright blue background

Analysing political economy and exploring the evolution of politics, the changing role of the state, and political ideas and values.

Research archive

An icon of a book against a dark blue background

Learn more about our previous public policy research projects.

Latest publications

Graphic of a report with figures and text on the front cover

An overview of the most recent reports and policy briefs produced by the IPR.

Policy engagement

Learn more about our policymaker and practitioner opportunities.

The IPR Policy Fellowship Programme

An abstract image of three lightbulbs, filled with puzzle pieces, cog wheels and a network of people.

Explore your professional policy questions and challenges through the IPR Policy Fellowship Programme.

IPR Health Policy Fellowship Programme

Graphic for IPR Health Policy Fellowship depicting a doctor's clipboard and a cardiac p-wave.

Senior policymakers from government and the third sector working on health policy are invited to apply for our specialist IPR Policy Fellowship Programme.

IPR Net Zero Policy Fellowship Programme

Senior policymakers from government and the third sector working on net zero policy are invited to apply for our specialist IPR Policy Fellowship Programme.

IPR AI Policy Fellowship Programme

Senior policymakers from government and the third sector working on AI policy are invited to apply for our specialist IPR Policy Fellowship Programme.

The IPR Visiting Fellows schemes

Abstract image of a group of people engaged in a discussion.

Outstanding national or international academics or policymakers can apply to spend up to six months with the IPR.

The Bath Policy Engagement Academy

Connecting University of Bath researchers and policymakers through fellowships, networks and capacity building to enable evidence-informed policymaking.

Doctorate in Policy Research and Practice

Learn more about our postgraduate programme.

Professional Doctorate in Policy Research and Practice (DPRP)

A graphic showing icons for a lightbulb, a cog and a magnifying glass.

This pioneering doctorate will enhance professional capability and critical reflection on the theories, methods and practices of policymaking.

Professional Doctorate students at the IPR

A graphic featuring a person, an open book with a light bulb, a cog wheel and speech bubbles.

Learn more about our students studying for the Doctorate in Policy Research and Practice.

Connect with us

Keep up-to-date with our latest research, events and news.

Sign up to the IPR newsletter

A graphic of an envelope on a blue background

Keep up to date with our latest research, publications, news and events by subscribing to the IPR newsletter.

IPR online lectures

A graphic of speech bubbles on a green background

Watch our lectures online to catch up with the best of our events.

IPR policy podcasts

A graphic of a microphone on a blue background

Listen to our IPR policy podcasts to catch up on the best of our lectures and seminars.

About us

We aim to further the public good through research into issues of significant relevance to policy debate and decision-making, manage networks with the worlds of policy and practice, and increase public understanding of policy research through our public events and publications.

We deliver activities for policymakers, researchers and practitioners to enable dual learning and original contributions to both research and practice.

Enquiries

If you have any questions, please contact us.

Institute for Policy Research (IPR)