Sector transition: UKRI policy fellowships 2026
UK Research and Innovation
What it funds
Word limit: 550 Copy and paste the title and the summary stated in the specific fellowship position that you are applying to. For example: Fellowship title: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) innovations in policy evaluation fellowship Summary: an opportunity to support evidence-informed decision-making to support the Government’s Make Energy a Clean Energy Superpower by testing and integrating the use of AI-assisted tools into the delivery of energy security and climate policy
Who can apply
This funding opportunity is open to academics who hold a doctorate or who can evidence equivalent research experience, can demonstrate relevant subject matter or methodological expertise, and are aiming to transfer knowledge and skills across academic and policy sectors to enable new approaches. The requirement for applicants to demonstrate that they hold a doctorate or equivalent experience is to extend eligibility to individuals who have been in a research focused role for a substantial period but have not obtained a doctorate. Being enrolled in a doctorate programme or close to finalising one is not sufficient on its own to demonstrate equivalence. Applicants who wish to make a case for equivalency will need to demonstrate that they have achieved a postdoctoral level of research expertise and experience while working in a professional research role, whether they are also engaged in a doctorate programme or not. Policy fellowship positions with a UK or devolved government host are aimed at early to mid-career academics with an interest in learning more about connecting academic research with policymaking. Fellowships with a What Works Network host are open to applicants of all ca
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Related schemes
Innovate UK Grant Competitions
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Rolling portfolio of themed R&D grant competitions for UK businesses, typically funding 25-70% of project costs across feasibility, industrial research and experimental development.
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP)
Innovate UK / UKRI
Funds a high-calibre graduate (Associate) plus academic team embedded in your business for 12-36 months to deliver a strategic innovation project. SMEs typically pay ~33% of project costs.
R&D Tax Relief (Merged Scheme & ERIS)
HMRC
Corporation tax relief on qualifying R&D expenditure. Merged scheme gives a 20% above-the-line credit (~15-16% net); loss-making R&D-intensive SMEs can claim enhanced support (ERIS) worth up to ~27p per £1 of qualifying spend.