The Universities Policy Engagement Network (UPEN) has launched a new academic-policy engagement Innovation Fund to support collaborative projects that strengthen how universities and policy organisations across the UK work together.

With awards of £10,000 to £50,000 available on a matched-funding basis, the fund is designed to support innovative approaches, build sustainable engagement practice and generate learning that can benefit the wider sector.

All projects must be collaborative and include at least one external policy partner, such as a government department, local authority, charity or think tank. Match funding can be monetary or in-kind, and project durations must be six to 18 months. Funding can be used for staff time, project delivery, travel and subsistence and materials.

Applications follow a two-stage process, beginning with an expression of interest (EOI), with successful EOIs invited to submit a full application by 3 November. Final funding decisions will be announced mid-November.

Ashley Lait, Head of Policy Programmes and Communications at the Institute for Policy Research and the University’s UPEN lead, said: “UPEN’s innovation fund supports collaboration with policymakers and new opportunities for policy engagement and experimentation. We hope Bath academics will consider applying to build stronger links with policy partners and boost the impact of their research.”

The deadline for submitting an EOI is 20 September. If you would like advice on applying or support with your application, please contact Ashley: ajl232@bath.ac.uk

UPEN’s Participation Fund has also been relaunched with up to £5,000 available for initiatives linked to UPEN’s Programmes work, to bring people together to develop responses to recently published Areas of Research Interest (ARIs) or to explore what works when responding to rapid response requests for academic evidence and expertise at the national level.