The Midlands Innovation Fellowship 2025-26 offers PhD students an exceptional opportunity to bring their research directly into the heart of UK policymaking. Hosted by the UK Parliament Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) in partnership with Midlands Innovation, this fellowship allows doctoral researchers to shape evidence-based decisions that impact millions. Candidates will gain hands-on experience translating scientific or social science expertise into practical policy insights, making a real difference at the national level.
This prestigious program provides two 13-week placements for eligible PhD students or recent graduates from participating Midlands universities. Fellows contribute to POST research, preparing briefs, notes, or reports, supporting select committees, organizing seminars, and assisting parliamentary inquiries. The fellowship can be completed full-time over three months or part-time to suit individual schedules, with placements starting in April 2026 and coordinated with POST, Midlands Innovation, and the student’s supervisor.
Benefits
The Midlands Innovation Fellowship is fully funded by Midlands Innovation. Successful candidates will receive a stipend payment to cover the 13-week placement:
- £7,922.50 (one-off payment)
- OR for clinical academic PhD candidates, a matching 13-week PhD stipend extension
- Payments are made directly by the Fellow’s university approximately one month before the placement begins.
Note: Fellows must manage travel, accommodation, and caring costs from this stipend.
Eligibility Criteria
- Currently pursuing or have recently completed their PhD (within 6 months of 19 October 2025).
- Working in fields related to biological sciences, health, life sciences, medicine, or social sciences.
- Able to pass security vetting (Counter Terrorist Check level) before beginning the placement.
- For 2025/26, first-year PhD students are also eligible—though this may not apply in future rounds.
Required Documents for Midlands Innovation Fellowship 2025-26
- A completed online application form via the House of Commons recruitment portal.
- A two-page briefing document on a topic of current interest to Parliamentarians (template provided).
- An approval form signed by your PhD Supervisor and Head of Department or Grant Holder.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to PhD students (including self-funded) or recent graduates from the following Midlands Innovation universities:
- University of Birmingham
- University of Leicester
- Loughborough University
- University of Warwick
- (Students from Aston University, Cranfield University, Keele University, and the University of Nottingham are not eligible for this round.)
Why Apply?
- Gain hands-on experience in science communication and policy-making.
- Network with MPs, Peers, Select Committees, and UK Parliament researchers.
- Enhance your research translation and public policy skills.
- Contribute to high-impact briefing materials influencing real-world legislation.
- Strengthen your academic CV with a UK Parliament placement.
Available Subjects
Applicants must be pursuing or have completed a PhD in one of the following fields:
- Social Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Health Sciences
- Medicine
- Biological Sciences
(In short: open to research areas connected to health, biology, medicine, or social science disciplines.)
How to Apply?
- Download and read the application pack carefully. It includes full details on the fellowship, assessment process, and briefing format.
- Complete the online application form via the House of Commons recruitment portal, ensuring all information is accurate.
- Prepare a two-page briefing document on a topic of current interest to Parliamentarians using the provided template.
- Obtain approval from your PhD Supervisor and Head of Department or Grant Holder by signing the approval form.
- Submit your application form, briefing document, and signed approval form through the portal before 23:55 on Sunday, 19 October 2025.
- Attend the online info session on Thursday, 2 October 2025, from 14:30–15:30 to clarify questions about the fellowship.
- Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed on 19–20 November 2025 and should be ready to discuss their research and its relevance to parliamentary policy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Midlands Innovation Fellowship 2025-26 offers PhD students from select Midlands universities a fully funded 13-week placement at POST. Applicants submit an online form, briefing, and approval form, with the deadline on 19 October 2025. Start date is April 2026.
What is the Midlands Innovation Fellowship 2025-26?
The Midlands Innovation Fellowship 2025-2026 is a fully funded parliamentary fellowship offering PhD students from selected Midlands universities the chance to work at POST. Fellows translate their research into policy insights, supporting MPs, Peers, and select committees on evidence-based decisions.
Who is eligible for the Midlands Innovation Fellowship 2025-26?
The fellowship is open to PhD students or recent graduates from University of Birmingham, University of Leicester, Loughborough University, and University of Warwick. Applicants must be studying social sciences, life sciences, health sciences, or medicine and meet all university and POST criteria.
What documents are required to apply for the fellowship?
Applicants must submit a completed online application form, a two-page briefing on a topic relevant to Parliament, and a signed approval form from their PhD Supervisor and Head of Department or Grant Holder. These documents confirm eligibility and demonstrate research relevance.
What is the deadline to apply for the Midlands Innovation Fellowship 2025-26?
Applications must be submitted before 23:55 on Sunday, 19 October 2025. Late applications are not accepted, so candidates are encouraged to prepare their briefing and obtain supervisor approvals in advance to ensure a complete and timely submission.
How long is the Midlands Innovation Fellowship 2025-26 placement?
The Midlands Innovation Fellowship 2025-2026 offers a 13-week placement. Fellows can complete it full-time or part-time depending on their schedule. The fellowship starts in April 2026, with exact start dates coordinated between the applicant, POST, and the student’s supervisor.
Where will the Midlands Innovation Fellowship 2025-26 take place?
Fellows are based within the UK Parliament, primarily at POST in Westminster, London. The role is hybrid, combining on-site work with remote tasks. Fellows engage directly with MPs, Peers, committees, and parliamentary services to produce research for evidence-based policy decisions.
What will fellows do during the placement?
Fellows produce POSTnotes and research briefs, contribute to reports, assist select committees, and support parliamentary inquiries. They may also organize seminars and attend meetings, applying their academic expertise to real-world policy while gaining experience in parliamentary research and communication.
Are international students eligible for the Midlands Innovation Fellowship 2025-26?
Yes, international PhD students from participating Midlands universities may apply. Visa restrictions may require part-time arrangements, which will be addressed individually. Fellows must comply with UK Parliament security requirements and are expected to uphold impartiality during their placement.
How are applicants selected for the Midlands Innovation Fellowship 2025-26?
Selection is based on academic excellence, research relevance, analytical skills, and ability to communicate complex information clearly. The fellowship panel evaluates the application form, two-page briefing, and supervisor approval to identify candidates capable of contributing to parliamentary policy research.
Are there any online sessions for applicants?
Yes, an online information session is scheduled on Thursday, 2 October 2025, from 14:30–15:30. This session helps applicants understand the fellowship process, briefing requirements, and expectations, giving them an opportunity to ask questions before submitting their completed applications.
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