# Sector Transition UKRI Policy Fellowships 2026 — What Works Innovation Fellowships

**Funder:** UKRI
**Budget:** Up to £176,000 (80% of up to £220,000 FEC, incl. £40,000 research & collaboration budget)
**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 What Works Network host organisations for 18 months. Includes an additional £40,000 research and collaboration budget for co-production and collaboration. Applicants must hold a doctorate or equivalent. Fellowship starts 1 May 2027. Minimum 0.6 FTE during placement. Includes £15,000 mandatory flexible budget.

## Summary

The UKRI Sector Transition What Works Innovation Fellowships fund UK academic researchers to embed in What Works Network host organisations for 18 months, with up to £176,000 total support including a dedicated £40,000 research and collaboration budget. The fellowship comprises a 3-month inception phase, 12-month host placement at minimum 0.6 FTE, and 3-month knowledge exchange phase, starting 1 May 2027. Applicants must hold a doctorate and be based at UK institutions; this is a one-off call closing 10 September 2026.

## Who should apply

- UK-based researchers holding a doctorate or equivalent qualification
- Academics willing to embed in a What Works Network host organisation for 12 months
- Researchers with social science, policy evaluation, or applied research expertise
- Applicants able to commit minimum 0.6 FTE during the placement phase

## Key dates

- Deadline: 10 September 2026 at 4:00pm UK time
- Fellowship starts 1 May 2027 (3-month inception, 12-month placement, 3-month knowledge exchange)
- 18-month total duration

## Tips for applicants

- Early liaison with a What Works Network host organisation strengthens applications; align your research question to their evidence needs before submission.
- The £40,000 co-production budget is a material asset, detail how you will use it for collaborative outputs (evidence briefs, policy workshops, shared publications).
- Feasibility of knowledge exchange in month 15-18 matters to panels; outline concrete dissemination plans beyond academic outputs.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much is the UKRI What Works Innovation Fellowship?

Up to £176,000 total (80% of up to £220,000 FEC), including a dedicated £40,000 research and collaboration budget.

### What is the structure of the What Works Innovation Fellowship?

Three phases over 18 months: 3-month inception phase, 12-month host placement at minimum 0.6 FTE, and 3-month knowledge exchange phase.

### Who can apply for the What Works Innovation Fellowship?

UK academic researchers holding a doctorate or equivalent, based at eligible UK institutions.

### When does the What Works Innovation Fellowship start?

The fellowship starts 1 May 2027.

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

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