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.

Secondments, placements and internships

Directory of exchange schemes from academia to policy

This 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. 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.
  • Parliamentary Thematic Research Leads are mid-career researchers embedded three days a week in Parliament, while retaining their substantive academic post for the remaining time. TRLs bring their impartial expertise, extensive policy knowledge and strong network of research connections to a variety of teams in and out of Parliament. Applications close on 9 August.
  • 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.
  • Innovation Fellowships 2026-27 – Route B: Policy-led are open for applications until 6 August. This fellowship enables researchers to work with a policy partner for 12 months. Successful applicants will work on areas that correspond with the British Academy’s Resilient Communities or Digital Society policy programme.
  • The College of Experts is being established by the DBT and is welcoming registrations of interests from academia, industry and beyond. The deadline to register is 28 June.
  • The Council for Science and Technology is recruiting its next independent co-chair, who reports directly to the Prime Minster. Read more and find out how to apply. Applications close on 29 June.
  • The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is offering 11 senior research fellowship placements for UK academics (Associate Professor level and above). These are two-year fellowships at 0.4 FTE, starting 1 April. Find out more and apply by 30 August.
  • Applications for UKRI-funded PhD students to take up a three month internship at influential policy organisations are open, with a deadline of 8 September.

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.

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.

Areas of Research Interest for London

The Areas of Research Interest for London are centred around four policy themes: growth, housing, energy and climate, and transport. Read more about these themes.. To get involved, email intelligence@london.gov.uk

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.