This round closed on 10 September 2026. The details below are from that round.
UKRI
Sector Transition UKRI Policy Fellowships 2026 — What Works Innovation Fellowships
4:00pm UK time
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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.
Details
| Funder | UKRI |
| Budget | Up to £176,000 (80% of up to £220,000 FEC, incl. £40,000 research & collaboration budget) |
| 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 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.
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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