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

Department for Work and Pensions 2026 Areas of Research Interest launch

Are you an academic working in economics, employment, skills, pensions or other related disciplines, or a knowledge mobiliser in the work and pensions space? Join this webinar on 6 October to hear about DWP’s most pressing evidence needs this year, and how you can help answer them. There will also be a chance for you to put your questions to Catherine Hutchinson, Chief Analyst and Chief Scientific Adviser at DWP. Register to attend.

Secondments, placements and internships

Directory of exchange schemes from academia to policy

The Government Office for Science directory 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.

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.
  • Applications are open for UKRI-funded PhD students to take up a three month internship at influential policy organisations. Deadline: 8 September.
  • BA/Leverhulme Trust Senior Research Fellowships are intended to enable established scholars to have the time to complete a significant piece of research, through sustained period of leave for one year. Applications open on 9 September and close on 4 November.

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 or in response to specific opportunities. Find out more about the fund and how to apply.

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. Calls include:

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.

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 guides on getting started with policy engagement, policy audiences, communications, programmes and placements, and much more. 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. Access the videos on their website.

Academic Engagement Toolkit

The Government Office for Science's Academic Engagement Toolkit aims to support effective engagement between the government and academia. It brings together guidance, tools and resources on: identifying and working with experts; choosing appropriate engagement routes; and supporting inclusive engagement to build mutually beneficial relationships. Access the toolkit.