Are you a UK-based researcher ready to apply your expertise where it matters most—at the heart of government? The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Policy Fellowships 2025 program is officially opening on 22 April 2025, offering a unique 18-month opportunity for researchers to work closely with government departments and policy organizations to help solve pressing national and global challenges.
Whether you’re an early-career researcher eager to engage with the policy world or a mid-career academic ready to translate your research into impactful public action, this could be the opportunity that propels your work into real-world influence.
About the Fellowship
UKRI, in partnership with the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), is offering 42 policy fellowships across three major streams:
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Core Policy Fellowships
Work within UK or devolved government departments focusing on priority areas like NHS transformation, economic growth, public safety, and clean energy transitions. -
Natural Hazards and Resilience Policy Fellowships
Contribute to government preparedness for natural disasters, pandemics, critical infrastructure breakdowns, and other non-malicious hazards. -
What Works Innovation Fellowships
Join the What Works Network to boost the use of evidence in policymaking related to education, crime reduction, children and families, aging populations, and student outcomes.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, you must:
- Be based at a UKRI-eligible UK research organisation.
- Hold a PhD or equivalent postdoctoral research experience.
- Possess subject matter or methodological expertise relevant to the fellowship position.
- For core and natural hazard tracks: Be an early to mid-career researcher.
- For What Works Innovation: All career stages are welcome.
Additional eligibility requirements, including security clearance or residency obligations, may apply based on the specific fellowship host. These details are provided in the individual position descriptions.
Fellowship Funding
The fellowships are generously funded at 80% of full economic costs (FEC), covering:
- Up to £180,000 for Core Policy Fellowships
- Up to £280,000 for Natural Hazards and Resilience Fellowships (includes £100,000 for collaboration)
- Up to £220,000 for What Works Innovation Fellowships (includes £40,000 for collaboration)
All applicants must include an additional £15,000 flexible budget for travel, training, and mentorship support.
Fellowship Timeline and Phases
Each fellowship lasts 18 months, beginning in February 2026, and includes:
- 3-month Inception Phase: Project planning, onboarding, data access, and induction.
- 12-month Placement: Working full-time or part-time (minimum 0.6 FTE) at the host organisation.
- 3-month Knowledge Exchange Phase: Returning to your institution to maximize impact and engage with wider academic and policy audiences.
What You’ll Do?
- Co-design research with your host to align with their policy priorities.
- Deliver robust analysis to inform real-time decision-making.
- Support knowledge exchange between academia and public policy.
- Participate in a policy fellows cohort and cross-government events.
- Publish outputs (subject to clearance) and build long-term networks.
Participating Hosts Include:
- For Core Policy Fellowships: Cabinet Office, HM Treasury, Home Office, FCDO, DfE, DCMS, DWP, MoJ, Ofsted, Scottish Government, Welsh Government, and more.
- For Natural Hazards Fellowships: UKHSA, Environment Agency, DESNZ, Defra, and more.
- For What Works Innovation Fellowships: Education Endowment Foundation, Centre for Ageing Better, TASO, Foundations, and the College of Policing.
Institutional Support Required
Your employing organization must:
- Support your time commitment to the fellowship.
- Assign a mentor (for early-career researchers).
- Ensure access to resources and infrastructure.
- Provide a strong endorsement as part of the application.
Application Deadlines
- Application Opens: 22 April 2025, 9:00am UK Time
- Application Closes: 15 July 2025, 4:00pm UK Time
You must apply through the UKRI Funding Service (https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/ukri-policy-fellowships-2025/). Your research office will need to submit your application on your behalf. Do not wait until the last minute, as registration of new institutions on the platform can take up to 10 working days.
