Institute for Policy Research

A leading public policy research institute, based at the University of Bath.

Spotlight

Highlights from our latest research, analysis, activities and programmes.

Paternity Allowance: Six weeks for self‑employed and worker dads could create £3 billion in benefits

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A new Institute for Policy Research policy brief highlights the economic and wellbeing benefits of extending the provision of paternity leave.

Sook Yeon Shim joins Institute for Policy Research as new Visiting Fellow

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We are pleased to welcome Sook Yeon Shim from the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of the Interior and Safety as an Institute for Policy Research Visiting Fellow.

New blog: Electoral reformers should look beyond proportionality

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David Klemperer discusses electoral reform in the UK and explains why proportional representation isn't the only option.

New blog: Human activity is making the Arctic’s waters louder

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Philippe Blondel writes about collecting data on underwater noise as climate change opens the Arctic to human activities and pressures on Arctic resources grow.

Upcoming event: The work of care

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On 18 March, Kate Hamblin and Emily Kenway discuss the realities of unpaid care and the urgent policy challenges it raises.

Upcoming event: Post-liberalism

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On 26 March, Matt Sleat discusses post-liberalism: what it is, where it comes from, and why it has gained momentum.

Our research

We aim to further the public good through research into issues of significant relevance to policy debate and decision-making.

UBILab@IPR

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An interdisciplinary lab for research into Universal Basic Income (UBI).

Education, welfare and work

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Exploring the reform of education, welfare and work.

Sustainable futures and healthy living

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Exploring the interconnected economic, social, environmental and health challenges we face in the UK and globally.

Political economy and politics

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Analysing political economy and exploring the evolution of politics, the changing role of the state, and political ideas and values.

Research archive

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Learn more about our previous public policy research projects.

Latest publications

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An overview of the most recent reports and policy briefs produced by the IPR.

Policy engagement

Learn more about our policymaker and practitioner opportunities.

The IPR Policy Fellowship Programme

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Explore your professional policy questions and challenges through the IPR Policy Fellowship Programme. Applications for 2025-26 now open.

IPR Health Policy Fellowship Programme

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Senior policymakers from government and the third sector working on health policy are invited to apply for our specialist IPR Policy Fellowship Programme.

IPR Net Zero Policy Fellowship Programme

Senior policymakers from government and the third sector working on net zero policy are invited to apply for our specialist IPR Policy Fellowship Programme.

IPR AI Policy Fellowship Programme

Senior policymakers from government and the third sector working on AI policy are invited to apply for our specialist IPR Policy Fellowship Programme.

The IPR Visiting Fellows schemes

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Outstanding national or international academics or policymakers can apply to spend up to six months with the IPR.

The Bath Policy Engagement Academy

Connecting University of Bath researchers and policymakers through fellowships, networks and capacity building to enable evidence-informed policymaking.

Doctorate in Policy Research and Practice

Learn more about our postgraduate programme.

Professional Doctorate in Policy Research and Practice (DPRP)

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This pioneering doctorate will enhance professional capability and critical reflection on the theories, methods and practices of policymaking.

Professional Doctorate students at the IPR

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Learn more about our students studying for the Doctorate in Policy Research and Practice.

Connect with us

Keep up-to-date with our latest research, events and news.

Sign up to the IPR newsletter

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Keep up to date with our latest research, publications, news and events by subscribing to the IPR newsletter.

IPR online lectures

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Watch our lectures online to catch up with the best of our events.

IPR policy podcasts

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Listen to our IPR policy podcasts to catch up on the best of our lectures and seminars.

About us

We aim to further the public good through research into issues of significant relevance to policy debate and decision-making, manage networks with the worlds of policy and practice, and increase public understanding of policy research through our public events and publications.

We deliver activities for policymakers, researchers and practitioners to enable dual learning and original contributions to both research and practice.

Enquiries

If you have any questions, please contact us.

Institute for Policy Research (IPR)