New blog: What is communitarianism?
Dr Henry Tam explores the roots and relevance of communitarian thought.
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: Religious literacy – a concept that is becoming a civic imperative?
Rachel Forrester-Jones and Mark Hammond explore why religious literacy matters in public institutions and universities, and what a new standard could look like.
New report: Downhill all the way?
The report analyses the spending patterns of over 100,000 pensioners surveyed between 1968 and 2019.
New blog: Co-working spaces aren’t just about convenience
Dr Mariachiara Barzotto discusses the benefits of co-working spaces for employees and communities.
Upcoming event: Securing our food supply
On 21 May, panellists discuss what a good food system looks like, and how we can ensure that our food system is fairer, more sustainable and more resilient.
Upcoming event: Prof Phil Scraton: Bearing witness to the ‘pain of others’
On 19 June, Prof Phil Scraton addresses the political, ethical and personal challenges to bearing witness to the ‘pain of others’.
Our research
We aim to further the public good through research into issues of significant relevance to policy debate and decision-making.
UBILab@IPR
An interdisciplinary lab for research into Universal Basic Income (UBI).
Education, welfare and work
Exploring the reform of education, welfare and work.
Sustainable futures and healthy living
Exploring the interconnected economic, social, environmental and health challenges we face in the UK and globally.
Political economy and politics
Analysing political economy and exploring the evolution of politics, the changing role of the state, and political ideas and values.
Research archive
Learn more about our previous public policy research projects.
Latest publications
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
Explore your professional policy questions and challenges through the IPR Policy Fellowship Programme. Applications for 2024-25 now open.
IPR Health Policy Fellowship Programme
Senior policymakers from government and the third sector working on health policy are invited to apply for our latest 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
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.
Internal opportunities
Learn more about our sabbatical and internship schemes.
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.
IPR internships
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)
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.
Climate change and the environment
Our latest work on environmental and climate policy.
ActNowFilm
A youth voices project produced by the Institute for Policy Research (IPR) and Cambridge Zero.
Watch ActNowFilm
The four films from the ActNowFilm project highlight the critical role of young people in tackling the climate crisis.
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
Keep up-to-date with our latest research, publications, news and events by signing up to the IPR newsletter.
IPR online lectures
Watch our lectures online 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.
Upcoming events
Register now for our upcoming public lectures and panel discussions.
Securing our food supply: Building resilience in the UK
21 May 2025 6.00pm
Online
The speakers discuss what makes a good food system, as well as the policies needed to make our food system fairer, more sustainable and more resilient.
Prof Phil Scraton: Bearing witness to the 'pain of others'
19 Jun 2025 5.00pm
The Chancellors' Building
5.12,
University of Bath
Drawing on his decades of research, Prof Phil Scraton addresses the political, ethical and personal challenges of bearing witness to the 'pain of others'.
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.