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.

Bath Screening of ActNowFilm

Join us at the University of Bath for a screening of ActNowFilm: Youth climate leaders in conversation with climate experts.

New blog: The greatest signs of hope for tackling climate change exist at the local level

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The local level is where the most innovation and ambition on climate action can be found, writes Professor Lorraine Whitmarsh in this new IPR blog.

New blog: Why renewed China-US cooperation bodes well for climate action

Dr Yixian Sun writes for The Conversation on why improving China-US relations are beneficial to climate policy.

New blog: Net Zero, COP28 and UK Climate Policy

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Prof Chris Skidmore OBE MP, writes about climate policy and Net Zero.

We're hiring! Apply now to be our new Events, Publications and Communications Officer

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We're seeking an experienced professional to help deliver our events, communications and public engagement activities. Deadline for applications: 13 Dec 2023.

Launch of the Bath Policy Engagement Academy pilot

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The new Academy will consolidate and amplify policy engagement activities across the University.

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: Give Young People a Voice in Global Climate Talks

Youth leaders and climate experts featured in COP28 premiere call for young people to be included in national climate teams and global decision-making.

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).

Participants in ActNowFilm: youth climate leaders in conversation with climate experts

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An overview of all participants in this year's ActNowFilm, an international youth voices in climate change project, selected to showcase at COP28.

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 IPR events

COP28 premiere of ActNowFilm: youth climate leaders in conversation with climate experts

8 Dec 2023 7.00pm Terra Auditorium, Dubai, Expo City

Join us at COP28 for the premiere of ActNowFilm - a clarion call for the integration of young people in climate decision-making processes.

Bath Screening of ActNowFilm: youth climate leaders in conversation with climate experts

13 Dec 2023 5.30pm Chancellors' Building, CB 1.12, University of Bath

Join us at the University of Bath for a screening of ActNowFilm: Youth climate leaders in conversation with climate experts.

Global Chair Public Lecture: Power of Peace on the Korean Peninsula

15 Jan 2024 5.30pm 2 East 3.1, 2 East, University of Bath

Power of Peace on the Korean Peninsula: Lessons from the Moon Jae-in Administration - a lecture by University of Bath Global Chair Professor Jong Kun Choi.

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)