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.

Kristian Williams to join Civil Service Fast Stream in Government Policy

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Kristian Williams, a former IPR Policy Engagement Intern, will join the 2025 cohort of the programme.

New blog: The future of housing: A call for person-centred standards

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Faye Sanders discusses the impact of living conditions on well-being and highlights the importance of aligning policy with tenants' lived experiences.

New blog: Unlocking community energy at scale: The power of social connections

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Dr Anna Chatzimichali writes about the UK's move to sustainable energy and highlights the importance of strong social relationships for flexible energy use.

New blog: Internship to the Civil Service Fast Stream

Former IPR Policy Engagement Intern Kristian Williams writes about his journey to the Civil Service Fast Stream programme and the lessons he has learned.

Upcoming event: How we sold our future: The failure to fight climate change

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On 11 February, Jens Beckert delves into the connections between capitalist structures and our failure to address the climate crisis.

Upcoming event: Addressing England's water quality

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On 19 March, our panellists discuss the water quality problems in England and the solutions and policies needed to restore waterways to health.

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 2024-25 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 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

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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.

Internal opportunities

Learn more about our sabbatical and internship schemes.

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

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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 film project produced by the Institute for Policy Research (IPR) and Cambridge Zero.

ActNowFilm: Youth Climate Leaders as Agents of Change

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The 2024 ActNowFilm weaves together the insights of global climate experts with the narratives and actions of young people from across the world.

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

How we sold our future: The failure to fight climate change

11 Feb 2025 6.00pm Online

Jens Beckert delves into the connections between capitalist structures and our failure to address the climate crisis.

Addressing England's water quality: What can be done?

19 Mar 2025 6.00pm The Chancellors' Building 2.6, University of Bath

Our panellists discuss the water quality problems in England and the solutions and policies needed to restore waterways to health.

International cooperation when mistrust deepens

27 Mar 2025 12.30pm The Chancellors' Building 5.1, University of Bath

Professor Perri 6 uncovers how states can collaborate even when mistrust grows, shedding light on the forces that shape nations and international relations.

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)