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.

Innovation Fund FAQs

Who is the fund open to?

Awards can only be made to UPEN Member institutions (University of Bath is a member), but this fund is collaborative and applications must be made with an external policy partner. Government departments, local authorities, charities or think tanks can get involved as a co-applicants.

Are multiple applications permitted?

UPEN will accept multiple applications from each university, but individual applicants can only lead one bid. You should communicate with the UPEN institutional lead (Ashley Lait at the Institute for Policy Research, ajl232@bath.ac.uk)

Will there be subsequent rounds in 2027?

It is possible but not guaranteed. If applicants have a viable project, UPEN encourages you to apply now to avoid future disappointment.

Are there any restrictions on who can apply? For example, would post-docs or professional service staff/knowledge mobilisers be eligible?

Anyone employed within the University can apply for funding, but UPEN would expect them to be in contract for the total project length.

Does the fund allow overheads/indirect costs, or is it intended to cover direct project costs only?

The fund will not cover overheads/indirect costs and covers direct project costs only. However, overheads and indirect costs can be shown to indicate in-kind/matched contributions.

Does match-funding need to be equal to the amount of funding requested?

Match-funding doesn't have to match the full amount of funding requested and can include in-kind resourcing. UPEN expect at least 20% of match or in-kind contribution. If this isn't possible, UPEN still encourage you to apply but will require an explanation as to why it is not possible.

When will I find out if my application is successful?

The closing date for Expressions of Interest is 20 September, after which UPEN panels will assess all applications. UPEN will share decisions on 2 October, with successful applicants invited to submit a full application by 3 November and final funding decisions shared on 16 November.

Who can I chat to about my application?

Talk to the UPEN institutional lead in the first instance (Ashley Lait) or alternatively you can reach out to the UPEN team (hello@upen.ac.uk).