This round closed on 10 September 2026. The details below are from that round.
UKRI
Sector Transition UKRI Policy Fellowships 2026 — Core Policy Fellowships
4:00pm UK time
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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.
Details
| Funder | UKRI |
| Budget | Up to £144,000 (80% of up to £180,000 FEC) |
| 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 |
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.
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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