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 of Bath’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 work at Bath and 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
What are UPEN looking to fund?
The aim of this fund is to test interventions and innovations in policy engagement. UPEN is looking for ideas that can scale and have wider applicability. Applications will be evaluated against the following criteria:
- Contribution to innovation and/or sustainability
- Feasibility of the project and collaboration
- Project benefits
- Measurement of success
- Costs and budget justification
Looking at UPEN’s programmes will provide an insight into areas of interest, although applicants should not feel tied to aligning with these.
Who is the fund open to?
Awards can only be made to UPEN Member institutions (University of Bath is a member), either individually or in a consortium with other universities. This fund is collaborative and applications must be made with an external policy partner, e.g. government departments, local authorities, health boards, charities or think tanks.
Are multiple applications permitted?
UPEN will accept multiple applications from each university, but individual applicants can only lead one bid. Bath-based applications should communicate with Bath's UPEN institutional lead (Ashley Lait at the Institute for Policy Research, ajl232@bath.ac.uk)
Are international applications permitted?
This fund is primarily focused on the UK. Institutions based outside of the UK can be co-applicants but a UK university must lead any projects.
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 of Bath can apply for funding, but UPEN would expect them to be in contract for the total project length. PhD students interested in applying should check with research officers in their departments but should note that applications for studentships will not be funded. Early career researchers are encouraged to apply and/or collaborate with colleagues on an application.
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 – this can include staff time, project delivery, materials, travel and subsistence. 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 expects at least 20% of match or in-kind contribution. If this isn't possible, UPEN still encourages you to apply but will require an explanation as to why it is not possible.
Does the budget have to be finalised at the point of submitting an Expression of Interest?
In the Expression of Interest, UPEN is looking for estimated budgets, including in-kind contributions. While it is helpful to provide as much information as you have available, UPEN understands that details may be finalised at the point of submitting a full application (if successful in the first round).
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?
UPEN encourages applicants to get in touch ahead of applying, whether for guidance on the application or operational/financial questions. You contact the team at hello@upen.ac.uk. Please also reach out to the UPEN institutional lead here at Bath: Ashley Lait (ajl232@bath.ac.uk).
Where can I find out more?
There is a recording of the first drop-in Q&A session about the fund available to watch on YouTube. There will be additional sessions online in August and September. Please complete this form to attend.