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 the gov.uk website for more information on the different ways in which you can share your expertise with Government.
To discuss any aspects of this, or for further support, please contact the IPR: ipr@bath.ac.uk.
Evidence requests
POSTnote contributions
POSTnotes are short evidence briefings produced by the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST). POST welcomes researchers with relevant expertise to get in touch in relation to upcoming POSTnotes. 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.
ClimateXChange calls for research
ClimateXChange, Scotland’s centre of expertise on climate change, has five new open call for proposals for research projects where researchers will work directly with the Scottish Government with the aim of informing their policies. The research calls are: approaches to measuring greenhouse gas emissions in Scotland’s tourism sector, communicating adverse weather impacts on population health and wellbeing, decarbonising Scotland’s Islands – what does good look like?, circular economy opportunities in Scottish farming – an evidence review, and cross-compliance and the vision for agriculture. The deadlines for these range from 28 May to 19 June. Visit their website for more information.
Select Committee inquiries
The UK Government website has a live list of open Select Committee inquiries. You can filter by keywords and date. Some inquiries include:
- Water sector regulation, Public Accounts Committee
- Reducing NHS waiting times for elective care, Public Accounts Committee
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. The directory 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.
Join the DWP Methods Advisory Group
The DWP Methods Advisory Group supports DWP's Chief Scientific Adviser in providing the department with the latest expert advice. The group ensures DWP analysts and scientists use the latest scientific, technical and analytical approaches when providing evidence to support policy and delivery decisions. It is trans-disciplinary in nature, consisting of members with different areas of expertise that are world-leading independent experts in their fields. DWP welcome applications from experts across a broad range of fields. Appointments are for three years in the first instance. Members are expected to commit to three to six days a year. There is no salary, and members can claim reasonable travel and other expenses. The closing date for applications is 28 May. Access the application pack.
UKRI Policy Fellowships
The UKRI Policy Fellowships scheme, led by the Public Policy and Engagement team and UKRI Talent, will fund 42 opportunities for researchers to develop their career and enhance their understanding of applying research in public policy-focused contexts. This exciting opportunity allows researchers to embed themselves in a UK or devolved government host or in the What Works Network to undertake cutting edge research to inform decision-making on the most pressing policy problems of our time. Email the scheme for more information: ukripolicyfellowips@ukri.org
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 Bath Policy Engagement Academy guides.
New climate communications resources
The Grantham Institute (Imperial) and Purpose Union have shared two new resources for climate scientists: a Climate Scientists’ Toolkit for Communicating on 1.5°C and a Climate Communicators’ Evidence Bank.
The toolkit is designed for climate scientists who need to comment on or share perspectives about the likelihood and impact of global warming exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. It aims to help scientists to share their expertise in meaningful and compelling ways and to communicate climate science effectively within the context of wider debates about the climate. Access the toolkit.
The evidence bank provides up-to-date facts and figures on a range of topics related to climate change that come up frequently in the wider public discourse. This resource is particularly useful for climate communicators who are seeking up-to-date information to illustrate their speaking points. Access the evidence bank.