On this page, you will find regular updates of policy engagement opportunities. To search a database of all open opportunities related to your current area of research, log on to Overton using your University of Bath single sign-on.
Visit the Routes for academic engagement with Government page on gov.uk for more information on the different ways in which you can share your expertise with Government.
Events
UPEN Conference 2026: In evidence we trust
This year's UPEN conference (taking place 29-30 June at UCL) focuses on strengthening trust and the research-policy interface while working within a complex external landscape of misinformation and contested facts. Complete this expression of interest form to apply to attend.
Secondments, placements and internships
Directory of exchange schemes from academia to policy
A directory from the Government Office for Science lists current exchange schemes from academia to policy. It categorises opportunities into secondments/fellowships; capacity building; and internships/placements. The schemes listed vary in duration and commitment; some are full-time, while others are part-time. View the directory.
Other opportunities
- The No10 Innovation Fellowship is accepting applications for 10 Downing Street’s flagship initiative for bringing world-class technical talent into government for high-impact tours of duty.
Funding
UPEN Participation Fund
If you want to engage more deeply with policy-facing work but face practical or financial barriers, you can apply for UPEN's Participation Fund. Awards of up to £5,000 are available, with applications accepted on a rolling basis.
The fund supports a range of activity, including:
- Travel and accommodation to attend UPEN-led workshops and regional programmes
- Honoraria for rapid evidence reviews, policy briefings or expert contributions
- Responding to urgent policy questions
- Convening national workshops to share insights that advance Programme priorities
- Creative or innovative proposals that help deliver UPEN’s aims
Find out how to apply for the fund.
Evidence requests
POSTnote contributions
POSTnotes are short evidence briefings produced by the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST). If you would like to find out which research projects you can contribute to, and how to contribute, please follow the guidance on the Parliament website.
Consultations and calls for evidence
The UK Government website has a live list of open consultations and calls for evidence.
Department for Business and Trade (DBT)
Do you have expertise to share that would support the Department for Business and Trade's evidence interests? These are themed around:
- Industrial strategy, business regulation and growth
- International trade and investment
- Labour market and employment rights
- Economic security and supply chain resilience
- Methodology (tools, methods and disciplinary approaches
Register your interest in collaborating with DBT.
Industrial Strategy Advisory Council
Can you support the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council with their areas of research interest? The Council provides independent, evidence-based advice on the implementation and evolution of the Industrial Strategy. Their evidence interests are themed around:
- Increasing business investment and market dynamism in the IS-8 and frontier industries
- Enhancing skills and improving access to talent in the IS-8 and frontier industries
- Place: supporting the best policies to increase investment in the UK’s city regions and industrial clusters
- Monitoring, evaluation, learning and adaptation
Contact the Council at isacevidence@businessandtrade.gov.uk to explore opportunities for collaboration, share relevant research, or discuss a specific ARI.
Select Committee inquiries
The Government website has a live list of open Select Committee inquiries. You can filter by keywords and date. Some inquiries currently accepting evidence include:
- Artificial Intelligence, business and the future of the workforce, Business and Trade Committee, deadline: 3 April
- Risks and opportunities to the sustainability of data centres in the UK, Environmental Audit Committee, deadline: 6 April
- The use of Artificial Intelligence and EdTech in Education, Education Committee, deadline: 10 April
- Student loans and taxation of graduates, Treasury Committee, deadline: 14 April
- FCDO's approach to higher education and research partnerships, International Development Committee, deadline: 15 April
- BBC royal charter review, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, deadline: 17 April
- Dynamic Alignment, European Affairs Committee, deadline: 20 April
- Innovation in the NHS: personalised medicine and AI, Science and Technology Committee, deadline: 20 April
- Modernising Elections, Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee, deadline: 22 April
- Working towards ending child poverty in Wales, Welsh Affairs Committee, deadline: 4 May
- Security, safety and protest: the role of Human Rights, Human Rights (Joint Committee), deadline: 13 May
- Trade in a turbulent world: how should the UK deploy its trade instruments?, International Agreements Sub-Committee, deadline: 22 May
Resources
Bath Policy Engagement Academy guides
The Bath Policy Engagement Academy has shared various guides on getting started with policy engagement, policy audiences, routes to policy engagement, communications, networks and impact, programmes and placements, and learning from other researchers. Access the guides.
Training videos
The UK Parliament's Knowledge Exchange Unit's training videos are now available on their website. The sessions explore how research is used in the House of Commons and the House of Lords, and how you can engage with Parliament as a researcher. During each session, a different member of the House of Lords shares their insights on the value of academic research in Parliament, informed by their professional background and parliamentary interests. Access the videos on their website.