From exploring the causes and influences that harm our health and wellbeing, to creating technologies to tackle disease, or designing systems to deliver better healthcare, researchers at the University of Bath are leading a broad range of research projects relevant to health policy.

Through the IPR Health Policy Fellowship Programme, senior policy and decision-makers working in central and local government or the third sector can apply to connect with University of Bath academics through a bespoke programme of tailored meetings, helping to address health policy challenges via two-way conversations.

In our busy working lives, it can be difficult to take a step back and consider afresh new approaches to policy challenges. The University of Bath is home to cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary expertise that inform key areas of health policy. Engaging with our academics through the PFP will inspire you with new ideas and perspectives to help drive innovation; apply new tools, models and frameworks; enhance professional practice; and advance the ways in which policy is developed and delivered.

Areas of expertise in relation to health and wellbeing at the University of Bath include:

• Artificial intelligence and healthcare
• Alzheimer’s, cancer and diabetes
• Ageing societies
• Diagnostic testing
• Healthcare systems and efficiency
• Healthcare workforce and retention
• Mental health and wellbeing
• Pain treatment
• Public health, including tobacco control, alcohol and obesity
• Sport and policy

Our Policy Fellowship Programme is free, and our team will be able to facilitate future meetings, networking or collaborations with our academic experts, following your initial fellowship meetings.

In choosing Bath, you will also gain access to our Library resources, which includes online access to journals, and a global policy alumni network.

The IPR Health Policy Fellowship Programme is free to participate in. You can apply individually, or as a group (e.g., a team from the same department or organisation).

Please note that it is designed for senior policymakers and decision-makers from government and the third sector. It is not designed for other sectors or for personal professional development.

Our PFP visits tend to last one to two days. Using your policy questions, we will arrange a series of 40 to 60-minute meetings with University of Bath experts.

Not all academics you meet with will be working directly in your area and we may recommend you meet individuals working on the boundaries of one or more of your questions to gain different perspectives and insights. All academics will be able to engage in a thought-provoking discussion to stimulate your thinking.

To apply

To ensure the programme is right for you, the IPR team will arrange an initial discussion to learn more about your areas of interest and your motivations for taking part. To arrange such a call, or to register your interest in the PFP, please contact Johanna Meyer (jpm87@bath.ac.uk) outlining:

• Your current professional role and a short biography
• Your reasons for applying
• Key questions you would like to explore through the programme, or your specific area(s) of interest (between six to eight policy questions) – these will help us to match you with the right academics from the University
• Your preference for visiting the University of Bath in-person or arranging meetings online, and an indication of your availability

Please include all information in the body of your email. Please do not include attachments such as CVs.

If you are a member of staff and would like to meet policymakers visiting the university who work in your research area, please email Johanna (jpm87@bath.ac.uk) to express your interest.