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 (29-30 June at UCL) focuses on strengthening trust and the research-policy interface while working within a landscape of misinformation and contested facts. Complete this 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.

Fellowships

  • The No10 Innovation Fellowship is accepting applications for 10 Downing Street’s initiative for bringing world-class technical talent into government for high-impact tours of duty.
  • British Psychological Society fellowship scheme is a funded opportunity (£8,128.50) for a current or recently graduated doctoral student working in a psychology-related field to be seconded to the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) to support the creation of briefing materials.
  • DSIT Fellowship is an opportunity for experts from across science, innovation and technology to join DSIT for a 12-month part-time secondment beginning in Autumn 2026. DSIT is seeking mid- to late-career professionals who are experts in their field and interested in contributing to policy and public sector work, to contribute to the development and delivery of DSIT’s work in key areas.

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. Find out more about activities supported by the fund and how to apply.

British Academy/Leverhulme Small Research Grants

The British Academy/Leverhulme Small Research Grants are provided to cover the cost of the expenses arising from a defined research project.
All applications should demonstrate that Academy funds are sought for a clearly defined, discrete piece of research, which will have an identifiable outcome on completion of the Academy-funded component of the research.
For more information, visit the British Academy's webpage
Apply here

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, labour market and employment rights, economic security and supply chain resilience, and methodology. 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 market dynamism, skills, regional investment and monitoring and evaluation. Contact the Council at isacevidence@businessandtrade.gov.uk to share relevant research.

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:

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.