# Academic Lead for Ministry of Justice Data First programme

**Funder:** ESRC
**Consortium:** No
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/
**Last verified:** 18 June 2026

## Summary

The ESRC Academic Lead role for the Ministry of Justice Data First programme offers UK-based researchers an opportunity to drive a new data-focused initiative within the criminal justice system. This is a strategic leadership position, not a traditional grant, enabling an academic to embed evidence-driven data practices at the policy level.

## Who should apply

- Established researchers with expertise in criminal justice, data science, or policy evaluation
- Academics based at UK institutions with strong institutional support and track record in policy engagement
- Researchers with experience translating research evidence into practice and working across academic-government boundaries

## Key dates

- First listed 2 April 2026; verify deadline on ESRC website

## Tips for applicants

- This is a leadership secondment, not a traditional research grant; position yourself as both a rigorous researcher and an operational change-maker.
- Emphasise prior policy-facing work and relationships within justice or government; panels screen for realistic implementation credibility.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the ESRC Academic Lead role for the Ministry of Justice Data First programme?

It is a leadership position enabling an academic to champion data-driven practice and evidence integration within the UK criminal justice system, in partnership with the Ministry of Justice.

### Who can apply for the ESRC Ministry of Justice Academic Lead position?

Researchers based at UK institutions with expertise in criminal justice, data science, or policy evaluation, and a proven track record in bridging academic research and policy practice.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/esrc-academic-lead-for-ministry-of-justice-data-first-p-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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