The Sector transition: UKRI policy fellowships 2026 is now open for eligible applicants in the United Kingdom. This fellowship supports knowledge exchange between academia and policy through 18-month placements with host partners. The application deadline is Not specified – please see official page.
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will support 50 fellows across three routes: UKRI core policy fellows, Natural Hazards and Resilience policy fellows, and What Works Innovation fellows. In addition, fellows join a cohort with training, mentorship, and alumni engagement.
Key Details:
Application Deadline: Not specified – please see official page
Eligible Countries: United Kingdom
Program Duration: 18 months (expected start date 1 May 2027)
Program Location: United Kingdom (host-specific; right to work in the UK required by expected start date)
Funding/Benefits: £180,000 – £280,000
Award Provider: UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
About this Program
This competitive fellowship program is designed to transfer knowledge and skills between academia and policy. Fellows spend 18 months embedded with host partners and contribute to evidence-informed policy work.
Projects are co-designed with host partners during an inception phase. As a result, fellows help shape policy-relevant research activity while building experience at the research-policy interface.
The fellowship has three pathways:
- UKRI core policy fellows
- Natural Hazards and Resilience policy fellows
- What Works Innovation fellows
Moreover, fellows are expected to provide intellectual leadership, manage their fellowship project, and take part in cohort activities organized by UKRI.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must hold a doctorate or show equivalent postdoctoral-level research experience.
- Applicants must meet any additional eligibility and assessment criteria in the specific fellowship position specification.
- Some positions may include security clearance or nationality requirements.
- Applicants must meet security, nationality checks, and right to work requirements in the UK by 1 May 2027.
- Applicants should assess whether they fit the early or mid-career researcher stage where relevant. However, What Works Innovation fellowships are open to all career stages.
- The employing organization must be registered on the UKRI Funding Service.
What Fellows Receive: Funding of £180,000 – £280,000. UKRI states that awards cover full economic cost up to £280,000, including an additional £100,000 research and collaboration budget where applicable. Each application also includes mandatory £15,000 flexible funding. What Works Innovation fellowships include a £40,000 research and collaboration budget, while Natural Hazards and Resilience fellowships include a £100,000 research and collaboration budget.
Program Components Fellows receive funded mentorship support for early career researchers, line management and host support, cohort induction and training events, funded travel for cohort events and host office visits, flexible funding for development needs, and access to an alumni network for continued knowledge exchange.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should review the specific fellowship position requirements and confirm that they meet the academic, career-stage, and work eligibility conditions. Then, applicants should prepare to apply through the UKRI Funding Service.
Because some roles may have additional checks or host-specific conditions, read the official guidance carefully before submitting your application.
👉 Visit the official fellowship page for details
