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.

Launch of new Academy scales up University ambitions for policy engagement

The Bath Policy Engagement Academy comprises new training, coaching and policy engagement opportunities and a suite of new online resources.

Institute for Policy Research welcomes fellows on the Policy Fellowship Programme

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Senior policymakers will meet with academics across the University as part of the IPR Policy Fellowship Programme.

New report: Universal Credit flaw deepens financial insecurity for working families

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A new IPR report explores how Universal Credit is affecting income security and financial well-being, month to month, in real life settings.

New report: Nearly a third of NHS staff are requesting details of jobs outside the NHS

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A new IPR report led by Dr Andrew Weyman (Department of Psychology) explores influences on NHS staff retention.

Upcoming event: The net zero transition in the UK

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Alix Dietzel, Joss Garman, Chris Skidmore and Lorraine Whitmarsh discuss the UK's transition to net zero.

Upcoming event: Is inequality the problem?

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Is there a compelling case for significantly reducing economic inequality? Professor Lane Kenworthy discusses his research.

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 engagement

Learn more about our policymaker and practitioner opportunities.

The IPR Policy Fellowship Programme

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Renew and reinvigorate your professional thinking by connecting with leading academics at the University of Bath through the IPR Policy Fellowship Programme.

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

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.

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 and supported by the UK Universities Climate Network (UUCN).

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.

ActNowFilm: youth climate leaders in conversation with climate experts

ActNowFilm participants and members of the project team at COP28

The 2023 film features conversations between youth climate leaders and leading international climate experts.

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

Overcoming stagnation: A new strategy for economic prosperity in Britain?

25 Apr 2024 12.00pm Lecture Theatre 0.18, 10 East, University of Bath

Join us for a panel discussion with Professor Diane Coyle, Dr Anna Valero and Torsten Bell.

The net zero transition in the UK

15 May 2024 5.15pm 10 West, 2.47, University of Bath

Alix Dietzel, Joss Garman, Chris Skidmore and Lorraine Whitmarsh discuss the UK's transition to net zero.

Is inequality the problem?

16 May 2024 5.00pm 8 West, 3.14, University of Bath

Is there a compelling case for significantly reducing economic inequality? Professor Lane Kenworthy discusses his research.

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)