ESRC
Academic Lead partnership with Department for Work and Pensions and HMRC for economic data
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This ESRC partnership call funds academic researchers collaborating with the Department for Work and Pensions and HMRC to conduct policy-relevant research on economic data, tax, and welfare systems in the UK. The call is open to UK-based researchers in economics, social policy, and related disciplines who can embed within government teams to deliver applied insights. This is a rare opportunity for academics to access administrative data and shape evidence for major UK fiscal and employment policy.
Details
| Funder | ESRC |
| Consortium | No |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Who Should Apply
- •UK-based researchers in economics, public policy, or social science disciplines
- •Academics with experience handling sensitive administrative or linked datasets
- •Researchers willing to embed part-time within DWP or HMRC during the project
- •Projects addressing tax policy, welfare reform, employment, or labour-market outcomes
Key Dates
- •Call first listed 2 April 2026; check ESRC website for deadline
Tips for Applicants
- ✓DWP and HMRC prioritise research questions that map directly to live policy decisions; frame your proposal around a concrete policy lever or reform cycle.
- ✓Administrative data access requires security clearance and compliance with government information governance, demonstrate prior experience or a named sponsor within the partner department.
- ✓The embedding model requires real time commitment; secure explicit institutional support and backfill arrangements before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ESRC Academic Lead partnership?
It funds academic researchers to work alongside civil servants at DWP and HMRC, using administrative economic data to produce policy-relevant research.
Who can apply for the ESRC Academic Lead partnership?
UK-based researchers in economics, social policy, and related fields who can commit to embedding part-time within government departments.
What kind of research does this call fund?
Applied economic research using administrative tax and welfare data, focused on policy questions in employment, tax, and social security.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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