Sector Transition UKRI Policy Fellowships 2026

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.||18 months (3-month inception, 12-month placement, 3-month knowledge exchange)

4:00pm UK time

Last seen in a scan/import: 3 Jul 2026.

Catalog updated: 11 Sept 2026.

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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.

Details

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.
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

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.

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.

policy-fellowshipukriuk-governmentsector-transitionearly-careerdoctorate-levelresearch-impact

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