# Sector Transition UKRI Policy Fellowships 2026 — Core Policy Fellowships

**Funder:** UKRI
**Budget:** Up to £144,000 (80% of up to £180,000 FEC)
**Deadline:** 10 September 2026 (4:00pm UK time)
**Duration:** 18 months
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** Single stage application; 3-month inception phase (from 1 May 2027), 12-month host placement, 3-month knowledge exchange phase
**Frequency:** One-off
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/sector-transition-ukri-policy-fellowships-2026/
**Last verified:** 18 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

UK academic researchers embedded in government host departments for 18 months to support evidence-informed policymaking. Applicants must hold a doctorate or equivalent research experience. Fellowship starts 1 May 2027. Early-career researchers receive funded mentorship. Minimum 0.6 FTE during placement. Includes £15,000 mandatory flexible budget.

## Summary

The Sector Transition UKRI Policy Fellowships 2026 embed UK academic researchers in government host departments for 18 months to strengthen evidence-informed policymaking. Applicants must hold a doctorate or equivalent research experience and commit to a minimum 0.6 FTE during placement. The fellowship includes a 3-month inception phase (from 1 May 2027), a 12-month host placement, and a 3-month knowledge-exchange phase, with up to £144,000 in funding. Early-career researchers receive funded mentorship as part of the scheme.

## Who should apply

- UK academic researchers with a doctorate or equivalent research experience
- Applicants able to secure a named government host department placement
- Early-career researchers seeking mentored experience in policymaking
- Researchers willing to commit minimum 0.6 FTE during the 12-month placement
- Those interested in translating academic evidence into government policy

## Key dates

- Application deadline: 10 September 2026, 4:00pm UK time
- Fellowship start date: 1 May 2027
- 18-month total duration: 3-month inception phase, 12-month host placement, 3-month knowledge-exchange phase

## Tips for applicants

- Securing a named government host department and a named civil service mentor before submission strengthens your application significantly.
- The inception phase (May, July 2027) is designed for policy familiarisation and network-building; use it to refine your placement objectives and evidence-translation plan.
- The £15,000 flexible budget is mandatory; budget it explicitly for policy engagement activities (evidence summaries, seminars, reports) rather than research consumables.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who can apply for the Sector Transition UKRI Policy Fellowships 2026?

UK-based academic researchers with a doctorate or equivalent research experience. Early-career researchers receive funded mentorship as part of the programme.

### How much funding is available through the Policy Fellowships?

Up to £144,000 (80% of up to £180,000 FEC), which includes a mandatory £15,000 flexible budget for policy engagement activities.

### What is the time commitment for the host placement?

A minimum 0.6 FTE (full-time equivalent) during the 12-month host placement within government.

### When does the fellowship begin?

The fellowship starts 1 May 2027 and includes a 3-month inception phase before the 12-month government placement.

### Do I need a government host department identified before applying?

Yes, applicants must secure a named government host department and typically a named civil service mentor to strengthen their application.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/ukri-sector-transition-ukri-policy-fellowships-2026-cor) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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