Institute for Policy Research

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

Spotlight

A spotlight on our latest research, analysis and programmes.

The IPR Policy Fellowship Programme

Graphic showing a white jigsaw puzzle on a blue background. One of the pieces is upturned to show it's dark blue underside.

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

The Economics of Basic Income

This IPR research project will examine the economics of Basic Income, including the interaction between technology, output GDP, consumer income and expenditure.

Couples balancing work, money and care: exploring the shifting landscape under Universal Credit

This ESRC project examines the ways couples with children make decisions about work, care & household finances in relation to changes under Universal Credit.

The economic policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Blog: Chris Martin and Magdalyn Okolo discuss the job retention scheme, and whether a more ambitious jobs package could prevent an unemployment crisis.

Higher education graduates in the post-COVID labour market waters – navigating Scylla and Charybdis

Blog: Predrag Lazetic discusses the post-pandemic labour market, and examines the prospects of unemployment and underemployment for higher education graduates.

Universal Credit for couples: What should be done?

A graphic of a family and coins on a scale

Blog: Fran Bennett discusses how Universal Credit affects couples in particular, and makes key recommendations for policymakers.

IPR research and programmes

We aim to further the public good through research into issues of significant relevance to policy debate and decision-making, and run postgraduate and policymaker and practitioner programmes.

IPR research

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

IPR programmes

A picture of paper aeroplanes moving in different directions.

We offer postgraduate courses, a Policy Fellowship Programme for senior policymakers and practitioners, and an International Visiting Fellows scheme.

The IPR sabbatical scheme

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

Publications

Read our publications including reports, policy briefs, blogs, and the latest academic papers.

Uncharted Territory: Universal Credit, Couples and Money

A report which reveals design and payment issues affecting couples with and without children claiming Universal Credit jointly.

‘The Empire of England’: Enoch Powell, Sovereignty, and the Constitution of the Nation

Lindsay Aqui, Michael Kenny and Nick Pearce re-examine Enoch Powell and reflections on sovereignty, representation, and the nation state.

Any port in a storm: Cryptocurrency safe-havens during the COVID-19 pandemic

Shaen Corbet, Yang (Greg) Hou, Yang Hu, Charlie Larkin, and Les Oxley examine the role of cryptocurrency as a safe-haven during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

A person receiving email messages on their phone

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

IPR online lectures

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

IPR policy podcasts

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

News

Our latest news stories and service updates.

IPR launches new book from Visiting Fellow on culture and values in policymaking

‘Culture and values at the heart of policymaking: An insider’s guide’ is a new book from IPR Visiting Fellow, Stephen Muers.

Design flaws in Universal Credit for couples revealed as claims soar

The new IPR report highlights the challenging issues felt by couples experiencing Universal Credit.

As the numbers of new claims for Universal Credit reach three million, a new IPR report reveals the complex issues couples experience with this new benefit.

IPR welcomes former Pensions Minister as new Visiting Fellow

We are pleased to welcome Steve Webb, former Pensions Minister and MP, to the IPR as a new Visiting Fellow.

Upcoming events

View our upcoming events

The role of Space 4.0 in enabling Europe’s Space Economy in regional context

9 Sep 2020 2.00pm Online

A Centre for Governance, Regulation & Industrial Strategy and Institute for Policy Research seminar.

The deficit myth: Modern monetary theory and how to build a better economy

12 Oct 2020 6.00pm Online

Listen to Stephanie Kelton at this online lecture, co-hosted with Bristol Festival of Ideas.

Is it time for Universal Basic Income?

13 Oct 2020 9.40am Online

Organised with Bristol Festival of Ideas, this conference brings together leading thinkers, politicians and policymakers to debate economic change and UBI.

About us

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