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.

New blog: Universal Credit, minimum income guarantees and social security reform

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Professor Jane Millar offers reflections on a range of recent proposals to reform the UK's social security system.

Upcoming event: Democracy erodes from the top

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Renowned political scientist Professor Larry Bartels joins us to discuss his new book, which explores the rise of populism in Europe and its underlying drivers.

New blog: How does digital poverty in the UK impact access to education?

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James Davenport reflects on how digital exclusion relates to wider social inequalities in education and why we struggle to tackle it effectively.

Event video: The currency of politics

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In this IPR lecture, Professor Stefan Eich joins us to discuss his book "The currency of politics: The political theory of money".

Upcoming seminar: Reframing poverty

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How is 'framing' strategically employed to enhance public support for anti-poverty policies? Join us for this seminar with Fran Bennett.

New blog: Why do tobacco supply chains matter to the UK: tobacco and food security

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This year the theme for World No Tobacco Day organised by the World Health Organization theme was ‘We need food, not tobacco’.

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.

Policy programmes

Learn more about our policymaker and practitioner programmes, and sabbatical and internship schemes.

The IPR Policy Fellowship Programme

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Renew and reinvigorate your professional thinking by connecting with world-class academics at the University of Bath.

The IPR Policy Fellowship Programme: Artificial Intelligence

Develop your professional knowledge of AI, data science, policy, and ethics by engaging with world-class academics at the University of Bath.

The IPR Policy Fellowship Programme: Net Zero transport, buildings and infrastructure

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Develop your professional knowledge on enabling net zero for transport, buildings & infrastructure by engaging with academics at the University of Bath.

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 IPR sabbatical scheme

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Bath academics can apply to spend a semester at the IPR to work on an interdisciplinary research project with substantial policy and public engagement.

IPR internships

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Apply now for an internship with the Institute for Policy Research (IPR).

Postgraduate programmes

Learn more about our postgraduate programmes

Masters (MSc) in Public Policy

This Masters degree offers students the opportunity to study how public policy is made, what shapes it and how to make a real difference as a policymaker.

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

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

IPR policy profile: Tom Barnes

Tom Barnes discusses his career as a Policy Advisor and shares his experience on the Masters in Public Policy.

Climate change and the environment

Our latest work and updates on environment and climate change policy, and activities as part of the UK Universities Climate Network (UUCN)

ActNowFilm: young people in conversation with climate experts

A youth film produced by the University of Bath Institute for Policy Research (IPR) and Cambridge Zero, supported by the UK Universities Climate Network (UUCN).

Watch ActNowFilm: intergenerational conversations on climate change

ActNowFilm: intergenerational conversations on climate change was showcased in the Blue Zone, at COP27, Egypt on 9th November.

ActNowFilm project – youth voices on the climate crisis: A producer’s insight

On the blog: Ellie Edwards (owner of Octopus Films) offers a peek 'behind the scenes' of the ActNowFilm project.

Connect with us

Find out more about the IPR, and stay up-to-date with our latest research, publications, 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 signing up 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.

Upcoming events

Learn more about our upcoming events.

The currency of politics: The political theory of money from Aristotle to Keynes

24 May 2023 12.00pm Online

In this lecture, Dr Stefan Eich joins us to discuss his recent book 'The Currency of Politics' and examine six crucial episodes of monetary crisis.

Reframing poverty: Communication strategies to promote public commitment

12 Jun 2023 12.00pm Room 2.02, 10 West, University of Bath

How is 'framing' strategically employed to enhance public support for anti-poverty policies? Join us for this seminar with Fran Bennett.

Democracy Erodes from the Top

14 Jun 2023 5.00pm Online

Professor Larry Bartels joins us to discuss his new book 'Democracy Erodes from the Top: Leaders, Citizens, and the Challenge of Populism'.

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

Institute for Policy Research (IPR)