Designed for senior policymakers and decision-makers from government and the third sector, the IPR Policy Fellowship Programme offers you the opportunity to explore your policy questions or challenges through a bespoke programme of tailored meetings with leading academics at the University of Bath.

In addition to our flagship programme, specialist policy fellowship streams for health, net zero and artificial intelligence – which draw on the University’s research strengths – enable policymakers to connect with academics working in these areas.

The University of Bath is home to cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary expertise that inform key areas of 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.

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.

We have welcomed over 200 individuals onto the Institute for Policy Research's Policy Fellowship Programme (PFP) since its inception in 2015. Our fellows are analysts, strategic planners, policy experts, advisers and leaders, working for global intergovernmental organisations, central government departments, devolved administrations, local authorities and charities.

Some of our fellows have come to the PFP through our focused themes – AI, health and net zero – with interest in topics including emerging technologies and robotics, health system reform, and sustainable and integrated transport. Others have applied to our general fellowship scheme and their questions span policy areas in education, homelessness, food and nutrition, COVID-19 response, and tax.

The IPR 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.

Find out more about our specialist programmes:

• Artificial intelligence
• Health
• Net zero

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.