# Sector Transition UKRI Policy Fellowships 2026 **Funder:** UKRI **Budget:** Up to £180,000 FEC (core); up to £220,000 FEC (What Works Innovation); up to £280,000 FEC (Natural Hazards and Resilience). UKRI funds 80% of FEC. **Deadline:** 10 September 2026 (4:00pm UK time) **Duration:** 18 months (3-month inception, 12-month placement, 3-month knowledge exchange) **Consortium:** No **Application:** Single stage; co-design of final fellowship scope occurs during inception phase post-award **Eligible countries:** GB **Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/sector-transition-ukri-policy-fellowships-2026/ **Last verified:** 18 June 2026 ## Eligibility & scope Open to researchers holding a doctorate or equivalent research experience, based at a UK research organisation (lead organisation must submit). Fellows undertake an 18-month policy fellowship with a UK government host, starting 1 May 2027. Three fellowship tracks: Core (up to £180k FEC), What Works Innovation (up to £220k FEC), and Natural Hazards and Resilience (up to £280k FEC, co-funded by DCMS). Early-career researchers receive funded mentorship support. ## Summary UKRI's Sector Transition Policy Fellowships fund researchers holding a doctorate to undertake an 18-month placement at a UK government organisation, with budgets up to £180,000-£280,000 FEC depending on track. The three tracks, Core, What Works Innovation, and Natural Hazards and Resilience, suit researchers moving from academia into policy impact roles. Early-career fellows receive funded mentorship; the scheme includes a 3-month inception phase for co-designing the fellowship scope before the 12-month main placement begins. ## Who should apply - Researchers holding a PhD or equivalent research qualification - Researchers employed at a UK research organisation (applying through the institution as lead) - Early-career researchers seeking mentored policy transition experience - Researchers with research questions aligned to government policy priorities in Core, What Works Innovation, or Natural Hazards and Resilience ## Key dates - Deadline: 10 September 2026 at 4:00pm UK time - Fellowship start date: 1 May 2027 - 18-month duration: 3-month inception phase, 12-month placement, 3-month knowledge exchange ## Tips for applicants - The inception phase is not a free planning month, it is co-designed with your government host and reviewers, so articulate your research question's policy relevance clearly in the application. - Budget varies by track; Natural Hazards and Resilience offers the highest ceiling (£280k FEC) due to DCMS co-funding, so pitch within the appropriate track scope. - Early-career researchers should flag their cohort status explicitly and name a mentor if known; the scheme prioritises mentorship funding for junior fellows. ## Frequently asked questions ### How much does the Sector Transition Policy Fellowship fund? Up to £180,000 FEC (Core track), £220,000 FEC (What Works Innovation), or £280,000 FEC (Natural Hazards and Resilience, co-funded by DCMS). UKRI funds 80% of FEC. ### Who is eligible for the Sector Transition Policy Fellowship? Researchers holding a PhD or equivalent research experience, employed at a UK research organisation, applying through the institution as lead. ### How long is the Sector Transition Policy Fellowship? 18 months total: 3-month inception phase for co-design, 12-month government placement, and 3-month knowledge exchange. ### When does the Sector Transition Policy Fellowship start? Awarded fellowships begin on 1 May 2027. ### Do early-career researchers get extra support? Yes, early-career researchers receive funded mentorship support as part of the fellowship. --- Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/ukri-sector-transition-ukri-policy-fellowships-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying. **See which EU calls match your profile.** [Preview your matches in 30 seconds, no signup](https://grantsby.eu/demo?ref=llm_grant_md).