Call for Applications: UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Policy Fellowship 2026 (Up to £280,000 in Funding)

Application Deadline: September 10, 2026

About the Fellowship

For the 2026 UKRI Policy Fellowships, applications are now open and actively being accepted. These fellowships are specifically designed to facilitate the transfer of knowledge, skills, and expertise across the academic and policy sectors, with the goal of increasing “sector porosity” that is, creating stronger links and collaborations between these sectors. The fellowship duration is 18 months, during which you will be embedded within a UK or devolved government department, an arm’s-length body, or a What Works Network member organization. Throughout this period, you will work closely with your host organization to develop research projects that directly inform and influence policy on some of the most pressing national and global challenges today. The research is to be co-designed by you and your host, ensuring that it is relevant, impactful, and aligned with current policy priorities. In 2026, the UKRI Policy Fellowship scheme has been expanded to include a total of 50 specific fellowship positions, which are spread across three distinct routes to accommodate different applicant profiles and areas of interest. The first route is the Core Policy Fellowships, which are targeted at early- and mid-career academics who wish to apply their expertise to real-world policy issues. The second route is the Natural Hazards and Resilience Fellowships, supported by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and focused on areas related to natural hazards, resilience, and disaster preparedness. The third route is the What Works Innovation Fellowships, which are open to applicants at all career stages and aim to support innovative approaches to policy challenges through rigorous evaluation and evidence-based research. Throughout the fellowship, you and your host will collaboratively spend the initial phase co-designing a research plan that aligns with government priorities and UKRI strategic objectives. This process ensures that your work is targeted, relevant, and capable of making a tangible impact on policy development and implementation. The scheme offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between academia and government, fostering mutual learning, collaboration, and the development of innovative solutions to complex issues facing society today.

Funding Details

The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to:

• Core Policy Fellowships: £180,000
• What Works Innovation Fellowships: £220,000
• Natural Hazards and Resilience Fellowships: £280,000

80% of the FEC will be funded by UKRI.

Fellowship Benefits

A unique opportunity to bridge academia and policy is provided by this fellowship:

• Direct Policy Impact: Decision-making on critical policy challenges is informed, and a deep understanding of government operations and analysis is gained.
• Career Development: A network of policy professionals is built, access to a mentoring offer is gained, and effective policy engagement skills are developed.
• Research & Publication: Cutting-edge research is undertaken, new data may be accessed, and findings are published across policy and academic platforms.
• Structured Support: From your host partner, line management and support are received, regular engagement from UKRI, and funded mentorship for early-career researchers.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply, you must meet the following criteria:

Essential:

• Research Background: A doctorate must be held, or equivalent post-doctoral level research experience must be evidenced.
• Affiliation: At an eligible UKRI research organisation, be based.
• Expertise: Relevant to the specific fellowship position, possess subject matter and analytical expertise.
• Skills: The ability to communicate complex information to non-academic audiences must be demonstrated, excellent stakeholder engagement skills are required, and interest in working in a governmental context is essential.
• Availability: By the expected start date (1 May 2027), security and nationality clearance requirements must be met, and the right to work in the UK must be obtained.

Ineligibility:

• If you have already undertaken or are currently undertaking a UKRI policy fellowship, you are not eligible.

How to Apply

On the UKRI Funding Finder page, you must select one of the specific fellowship positions listed to apply. The application process is as follows:

1. Review: For your chosen fellowship position, check the specific requirements.
2. Start Application: On the UKRI Funding Finder page, select ‘Start application.’
3. Complete: Sign in or create a Funding Service account and, directly in the text boxes provided, answer the questions.
4. Review: Before sending it to your research office, check your application in ‘read-only’ view.
5. Submit: To UKRI, your research office will submit the completed and checked application.

Click here to apply

For More Information: Visit the Official UKRI Policy Fellowships Page