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Sector transition: UKRI policy fellowships 2026

Fellowships for academics to embed with policy hosts and address policy priorities.

OpenUK Research and InnovationUnited Kingdom

This fellowship supports temporary, fixed-term mobility between academic and policy sectors. Fellows are embedded with a UK or devolved government host partner, an arm’s length body, or a What Works Network member to collaborate on research activity addressing pressing national and global challenges.

It is for academics with a doctorate or equivalent research experience, relevant subject matter o…

In scope: specific fellowship positions with selected host partners, covering core policy priorities, natural hazards and pandemic preparedness, and What Works Network priorities of homelessness, policing and place. Fellows provide research and expert advice on host policy priority areas, co-design and deliver research projects and activities, and support knowledge exchange between government, policy and academia. For gambling policy fellowships funded by the UKRI Research Programme on Gambling, engagement with industries whose core business can be associated with harm to public health or societal wellbeing is not permitted as part of UKRI RPG funded activities. Time-limited, purpose-specific interactions may be permissible where they are essential to legitimate, high-quality research objectives and meet the stated conditions.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.One-off
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.10 Sept 2026
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.18 months
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.—
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.£1000.0M

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Last verified: 27 Aug 2026Funder reference: ukri-post-193401Source: www.ukri.org