OPEN INNOVATION TEAM (OIT), UK GOVERNMENT
UK Government Open Innovation Team (OIT) Policy Fellowship
partial · phd
- 6 monthsProgramme duration
- 5 universitiesPartner institutions
- 6 topicsResearch areas for the cycle
- SEO-G6Eligible civil service grades
- Mentoring (no fee/no cash)Funding type - in-kind support
- Part-timeFlexible study mode
At a glance
partial
Funding
—
Max amount
Feb 24, 2027
Deadline
United Kingdom (UK civil servants only)
Country
Open Innovation Team (OIT), UK Government
Provider
The UK Government Open Innovation Team (OIT) Policy Fellowship is a part-time academic mentoring scheme that pairs UK civil servants with academic mentors from partner universities to support evidence-based policymaking. It is a six-month, flexible programme rather than a degree course, and is designed for civil servants in grades SEO to G6 who work on a specific policy challenge. Partner institutions include Brunel University London, the University of Essex, Lancaster University, the University of Surrey and the University of York. Research topics for the cycle span education, health and social care, AI and digital, environment and sustainability, government and policy, and business, work and employment. Fellows gain direct mentorship from academics, build links between government and academia, develop skills in data analysis and policy research, and test policy ideas to fill evidence gaps. Applicants must be UK civil servants in the SEO-G6 grade band, working in a policy-related role with departmental and line manager support. Applications are made by completing the Open Innovation Fellowship application form and emailing it to the OIT before the deadline (around 24 February). The fellowship is unpaid mentoring time rather than a cash award; confirm the current eligibility, topics and deadline on the official OIT page on GOV.UK before you apply.
What's covered
- Academic mentorship — Direct, one-to-one mentoring from an academic at a partner university over the six-month programme, at no cost to the fellow (in-kind support; ~GBP 0 fee to the participant).
- Research and analysis skills — Development of advanced data analysis and policy research skills tailored to the fellow's policy challenge.
- Policy output support — Help to research and develop a policy output tailored to the fellow's department's needs, filling evidence gaps.
- Academic-government networking — Connections between the civil servant's department and leading academics across the 5 partner universities.
- Career development — Career-enhancing experience and subject-knowledge growth that strengthens the fellow's policymaking impact; the programme is provided as in-kind mentoring rather than a cash stipend (~GBP 0 cash payment).
How to apply
Applicants download the OIT Fellowship information pack, complete the Open Innovation Fellowship application form, and email it to the OIT before the deadline.
- Download the OIT Fellowship Q&A pack — Access the Q&A pack on the OIT Fellowship page on GOV.UK; it sets out eligibility criteria, guidelines and FAQs.
- Identify your policy challenge — Define the specific policy challenge you want to explore and secure line manager and departmental support to take part.
- Complete the application form — Download and complete the Open Innovation Fellowship application form, setting out your role, grade and proposed research topic.
- Submit your application — Email your completed application to the OIT team (fellowship@openinnovation.gov.uk) before the deadline of around 24 February 2026 (est.).
- Await matching and confirmation — The OIT reviews applications and matches successful fellows with an academic mentor at a partner university for the six-month programme.
Eligibility
EmploymentMust be a UK civil servant at the time of application.
GradeMust hold a grade between SEO and G6.
RoleMust work in a policy-related role with a specific policy challenge to explore.
SupportMust have line manager and departmental support to participate.
This is a part-time academic mentoring fellowship, not a degree programme or a funded studentship; it is not open to students or applicants outside the UK civil service.
Eligible countries
United Kingdom (UK civil servants only)
Deadlines
2026 cohort~24 February 2026 (est.)
Following cycle~February 2027 (est.)
Selection
Applications are assessed by the Open Innovation Team on the relevance and clarity of the policy challenge, the applicant's grade and role fit, and the strength of departmental support. Successful fellows are matched with an academic mentor whose expertise aligns with their policy research topic.
Verified sources
- Open Innovation Team - GOV.UKgov.ukofficial
About the provider
The Open Innovation Team (OIT) is a unit within the UK Government's Cabinet Office that helps departments generate analysis and ideas by collaborating with academics and other external experts. Its Policy Fellowship connects civil servants with university researchers to strengthen evidence-based policymaking.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the OIT Policy Fellowship?
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It is a six-month, part-time academic mentoring scheme run by the UK Government's Open Innovation Team, pairing civil servants with academic mentors to support evidence-based policymaking.
Who can apply?
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UK civil servants in grades SEO to G6 who work in a policy-related role with a specific policy challenge and have departmental support.
Is this a degree programme?
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No. It is a part-time mentoring fellowship, not a master's, PhD or any other degree course.
How long does the fellowship last?
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Six months, on a flexible, part-time basis around the fellow's existing role.
Which universities take part?
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Brunel University London, the University of Essex, Lancaster University, the University of Surrey and the University of York.
Is there a cash award or stipend?
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No. The fellowship provides in-kind academic mentoring (~GBP 0 cash payment) rather than a salary or stipend; civil servants take part within their existing employment.
What research topics are covered?
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Education, health and social care, AI and digital, environment and sustainability, government and policy, and business, work and employment.
What grade do I need to be?
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A grade between SEO and G6 in the UK civil service.
Do I need my manager's approval?
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Yes. You must have line manager and departmental support to participate.
How do I apply?
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Download the Q&A pack and application form from the OIT Fellowship page, complete the form, and email it to fellowship@openinnovation.gov.uk before the deadline.
When is the deadline?
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Around 24 February 2026 (est.); confirm the exact current-cycle date on the official OIT page on GOV.UK.
What will I gain from the fellowship?
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Academic mentorship, stronger data analysis and policy research skills, useful academic-government connections, and a policy output that helps fill evidence gaps for your department.