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.

Western Gateway policy fellows visit the University of Bath

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The Western Gateway team will meet with academics across the University as part of the IPR Policy Fellowship Programme.

Upcoming event: How did Britain come to this?

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Join us on 11 October for a lecture with Professor Gwyn Bevan, author of "How did Britain come to this? A century of systemic failures of governance."

Apply now to spend your sabbatical at the IPR

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The IPR sabbatical scheme provides Bath academics with the opportunity to work on a research project with a strong policy and/or public engagement component.

New blog: The reality for neurodivergent people in the workplace

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What are the challenges that neurodivergent people face in the workplace and how can more inclusive working environments help us harness untapped potential?

‘Riders on the Storm’: what would a Labour government face?

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In a new article for Renewal, IPR Director Professor Nick Pearce and Gavin Kelly reflect on the prospective governing agenda of a future Labour government.

Upcoming event: What went wrong with Brexit

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Financial Times public policy editor Peter Foster presents his new book which takes stock of what exactly went wrong with Brexit - and what we can do about it.

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 IPR.

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

Cohort nine of the Professional Doctorate in Policy Research and Practice (DPRP) at the University of Bath

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: youth climate leaders 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.

How did Britain come to this? A century of systemic failures of governance

11 Oct 2023 5.00pm 10 East, Lecture Theatre 0.18, University of Bath

Join us for a lecture with Professor Gwyn Bevan, author of "How did Britain come to this? A century of systemic failures of governance."

What went wrong with Brexit - and what we can do about it

9 Nov 2023 12.00pm Online

Join us for a lecture with Financial Times public policy editor Peter Foster who will discuss his new book 'What Went Wrong With Brexit'.

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)