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

What's next for place-based academic-policy engagement?

Join this online event on 4 November (14:00-15:00) hear about examples of place-based academic-policy engagement in practice and learn from other universities that are embedding place into their policy engagement. Register via Eventbrite.

Parliament for researchers with the House of Lords

This event on 25 November (10:30-16:00) gives you the chance to hear from Members of the House of Lords and parliamentary experts about how evidence informs legislation and influences public policy. You'll explore how research is used in decision-making and gain practical tips on how to engage effectively with Parliament. Register for the morning sessions and/or the afternoon sessions.

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.

Early and mid-career qualitative research experts are invited to apply for a secondment role in the Central Analysis function of the Department for Work and Pensions, delivering research for policy across the wide remit of the work of the DWP. The role, starting in January 2027, provides you with the opportunity to bring your qualitative analytical skills to the heart of government, designing and creating social research projects to develop the evidence base to inform key decisions. Find out more and apply by 5 November.

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.

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 close on 4 November.

Administrative Data Research UK (ADR UK) has announced the application windows for the next two rounds of its fellowship scheme, which will open in 2027 and 2028. The fellowships offer funding for researchers using ADR UK flagship datasets to undertake projects that aim to uncover new insights for policy or practice with positive real-world implications for the UK public. Find out more about the scheme.

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.

British Academy/Leverhulme Small Research Grants

These grants, up to £10,000 in value and tenable for between one and 24 months, are provided to cover the cost of the expenses arising from a defined research project. They are open to UK-based postdoctoral, or equivalent, researchers in the humanities and social sciences. The application deadline is 4 November for institutional applicants and 28 October for independent scholars. Find out more and apply for funding.

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.

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:

Electronic voting, Procedure Committee, no date
Climate adaptation, Environmental Audit Committee, 21 October
Children's social care, Public Services Committee, 26 October
Pensions adequacy: auto-enrolment contributions for low earners and their employers, Work and Pensions Committee, 26 October
National Youth Strategy, Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, 4 November
Bank of England monetary policy independence at 30, Treasury Committee, 6 November

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.