The UKRI Policy Fellowship 2026 in the UK is a sector transition fellowship designed to transfer knowledge and skills between academia and policy. Fellows spend 18 months embedded with UK or devolved government hosts, What Works Network members, or arm’s length bodies, co-designing research to address pressing national and global challenges. This funded opportunity supports 50 fellows across three routes: Core Policy, Natural Hazards and Resilience, and What Works Innovation.
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is the national funding agency investing in science and research in the UK. It brings together the seven research councils, Research England, and Innovate UK. UKRI’s policy fellowships programme aims to build lasting connections between the policymaking and research communities, enabling evidence-informed policy and fostering a collaborative research-policy system.
UKRI Policy Fellowship Benefits
- Opportunity to undertake cutting edge research and access new data
- Total Project Budget: Worth between £180,000 and £280,000 over an 18-month duration.
- Inform decision-making on pressing policy problems
- Better understanding of government analysis, operations, and policymaking
- Build network of policy and analytical professionals
- Active participation in a cohort of policy fellows
- Access to public policy focused mentoring offer
- Potential to influence future policy-academia collaborations
- Opportunity for publication across policy and academia
- Funded mentorship support for early career researchers
- Line management and support from host partner
- Regular engagement and support from UKRI
UKRI Policy Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- Hold a doctorate or evidence equivalent postdoctoral-level research experience
- Be based at an eligible UKRI research organisation
- Be a researcher in remits relevant to the specific fellowship position
- Have subject matter and analytical expertise relevant to the position
- Meet any additional eligibility and person specification criteria for the specific position
- Be able to work effectively at pace and as part of a team
- Have ability to communicate complex information to non-academic audiences
- Possess excellent stakeholder engagement and collaboration skills
- Be interested in working in a governmental context
- Have ability to design and lead knowledge exchange activity
- Meet security, nationality checks, and right to work in the UK by 1 May 2027
- Not have already undertaken or be currently undertaking a UKRI policy fellowship
How to Apply for UKRI Policy Fellowship?
- Review the specific fellowship position requirements and confirm eligibility
- Select ‘Start application’ on the UKRI Funding finder page
- Sign in or create a Funding Service account
- Answer questions directly in the text boxes in the Funding Service
- Allow time to check your application in ‘read-only’ view before sending to research office
- Send completed application to your research office for checking
- Your research office will submit the completed and checked application to UKRI
- Ensure UKRI receives your application by 10 September 2026 at 4:00pm UK time
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the UKRI Policy Fellowship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the UKRI Policy Fellowship 2026?
The UKRI Policy Fellowship is a sector transition fellowship that supports knowledge exchange between academia and policy. Fellows spend 18 months embedded with UK or devolved government hosts, What Works Network members, or arm’s length bodies, co-designing research to address national and global challenges.
Who is eligible to apply for the UKRI Policy Fellowship?
Applicants must hold a doctorate or equivalent postdoctoral-level research experience, be based at an eligible UKRI research organisation, and meet the specific criteria of the fellowship position they apply for. Early to mid-career researchers are eligible for most routes; What Works Innovation fellowships are open to all career stages.
What is the deadline for the UKRI Policy Fellowship 2026?
The closing date is 10 September 2026 at 4:00pm UK time. UKRI must receive your application by this time. You will not be able to apply after this deadline.
What funding does the UKRI Policy Fellowship provide?
The fellowship is partially funded. Core Policy fellowships have a full economic cost (FEC) up to £180,000, What Works Innovation up to £220,000, and Natural Hazards and Resilience up to £280,000. UKRI funds 80% of the FEC. All fellowships include a mandatory £15,000 flexible funding.
How long does the UKRI Policy Fellowship last?
The fellowship lasts 18 months, divided into three phases: a three-month inception phase, a twelve-month main placement with the host, and a three-month knowledge exchange phase. The expected start date is 1 May 2027.
What are the three types of UKRI Policy Fellowships?
The three types are: UKRI Core Policy fellowships (open to early and mid-career researchers), Natural Hazards and Resilience policy fellowships (open to early and mid-career researchers), and What Works Innovation fellowships (open to all career stages).
How do I apply for the UKRI Policy Fellowship?
You apply through the UKRI Funding Service. Select ‘Start application’ on the Funding finder page, sign in or create an account, answer the application questions, and submit via your research office. Ensure your organisation is registered on the Funding Service.
What are the benefits of the UKRI Policy Fellowship?
Benefits include the opportunity to undertake cutting edge research, inform decision-making on pressing policy problems, build a network of policy professionals, access mentoring, participate in a cohort of fellows, and publish across policy and academia. Early career researchers receive funded mentorship.
Where are the UKRI Policy Fellowships based?
Fellows are embedded with host partners across the UK, including UK or devolved government departments, arm’s length bodies, and What Works Network members. Specific location requirements are detailed in each fellowship position specification.
When will the UKRI Policy Fellowship decisions be communicated?
Shortlisting outcomes are communicated during the week commencing 16 November 2026. Interviews take place in January 2027, and final funding decisions are expected by February 2027.
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