- 42fellowship positions in the most recent round
- 29UK host organisations across government
- 18 monthsduration of each fellowship
- Fully fundedsalary, training and networking costs covered
- 3 strandsCore Policy, Natural Hazards & Resilience, What Works
- All nationalitiesopen to applicants at a UKRI-eligible institution
At a glance
full
Funding
—
Max amount
Jul 15, 2026
Deadline
All nationalities
Country
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
Provider
The UKRI Policy Fellowships place academic researchers inside UK government departments and policy teams to support evidence-based policymaking. In the most recent round the programme offered 42 fellowship positions spread across 29 UK-based host organisations, covering high-impact areas such as climate change, public health, resilience and innovation. Each fellowship lasts 18 months and is fully funded, with placements that began in autumn in the previous cycle. The scheme is open to early-career, mid-career and senior researchers, organised into three strands: Core Policy Fellowships tied to priority government missions, Natural Hazards and Resilience Fellowships focused on climate risk and disaster preparedness, and What Works Innovation Fellowships based in 'What Works' centres. Example host posts have included the Cabinet Office, the Welsh Government, Defra and the Scottish Government. Applicants must be affiliated with a UKRI-eligible institution and have expertise in social sciences or interdisciplinary fields such as environmental science, climate studies, economics or public health; the scheme is open to all nationalities. Fellows receive funded salary costs, mentorship, training and access to a national network of academic fellows. The number of posts, host departments and deadline change each round, so review the individual post descriptions and confirm the current details on the official UKRI page before applying.
What's covered
- Salary and placement costs — Full funding of the fellow's salary costs for the 18-month placement, paid through the home (UKRI-eligible) institution — typically equivalent to ~£60,000+ (est.) over the fellowship.
- Mentorship — Structured mentorship from senior policy and academic colleagues throughout the placement.
- Training — Training sessions to build skills in working at the research–policy interface.
- National fellow network — Access to a UK-wide network of academic fellows for collaboration and peer support.
- Policy events and workshops — Participation in workshops and policy events, working directly on high-level government initiatives.
How to apply
Applications are made against specific fellowship posts advertised on the official UKRI Policy Fellowships website.
- Browse the available posts — Visit the official UKRI Policy Fellowships page and browse the open posts across host departments and the three strands.
- Check eligibility for a post — Confirm your institution is UKRI-eligible and that your expertise matches the chosen post's subject focus.
- Prepare your application — Prepare your CV, a statement of expertise and policy relevance, and any post-specific materials requested.
- Submit before the deadline — Submit your application against the chosen post through the UKRI process before the closing date.
Eligibility
Institutional affiliationMust be affiliated with a UKRI-eligible institution.
ExpertiseExpertise in social sciences or interdisciplinary fields such as environmental science, climate studies, economics or public health.
Policy relevanceAble to demonstrate interdisciplinary impact and relevance to the priorities of the host policy post.
Career stageOpen to early-career, mid-career and senior researchers depending on the fellowship strand.
Eligibility is tied to the home institution being UKRI-eligible rather than to nationality. Each individual post has its own subject focus and requirements — read the post description before applying.
Eligible countries
All nationalities
Deadlines
2026 round~15 July 2026 (est.)
Selection
Each fellowship post is assessed by the host department together with UKRI on the candidate's expertise, the fit between their background and the post's policy mission, and their ability to deliver interdisciplinary impact. Because posts are advertised individually, candidates apply to and are selected for specific positions.
Verified sources
- UKRI Policy Fellowships (official)ukri.orgofficial
About the provider
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), created in 2018, is the United Kingdom's national funding body for research and innovation, bringing together seven research councils, Innovate UK and Research England. Its Policy Fellowships connect academic researchers with UK government departments.
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 are the UKRI Policy Fellowships?
+
They are fully funded placements that embed academic researchers inside UK government departments and policy teams to support evidence-based policymaking.
How many positions are available?
+
The most recent round offered 42 fully funded positions across 29 UK host organisations.
How long does a fellowship last?
+
Each fellowship lasts 18 months.
Is the fellowship fully funded?
+
Yes. Selected fellows receive full funding of their salary costs plus training and networking for the duration of the placement.
Can international applicants apply?
+
Yes. The scheme is open to applicants of all nationalities, provided they are affiliated with a UKRI-eligible institution.
What background do I need?
+
Expertise in social sciences or interdisciplinary fields such as environmental science, climate studies, economics or public health.
What are the three fellowship strands?
+
Core Policy Fellowships, Natural Hazards and Resilience Fellowships, and What Works Innovation Fellowships.
Is this a degree programme?
+
No. It is a non-degree fellowship for existing researchers, not a master's or PhD course.
Which departments host fellows?
+
Examples have included the Cabinet Office, the Welsh Government, Defra and the Scottish Government, among 29 organisations.
Do I need to be at a particular institution?
+
Yes. You must be affiliated with a UKRI-eligible institution; eligibility is tied to the institution rather than nationality.
When is the deadline?
+
The deadline for the upcoming round is expected around ~15 July 2026 (est.). Confirm the exact date on the official UKRI page.
How do I choose what to apply for?
+
Posts are advertised individually; review each post description and apply to the position that matches your expertise.