A huge congratulations to the University of Exeter researchers who will be bringing their research expertise directly to Governmental organisations as part of the UKRI Policy Fellowship scheme!
Announced earlier this year, the successful UKRI Policy Fellows have a unique opportunity to influence policymaking across a range of Government departments, co-designing research and developing knowledge exchange between policy and Higher Education institutions. Over an 18-month period, more than 40 researchers from institutions across the UK will collaborate with organisations such as the Home Office, Ministry of Justice, Department for Education, Cabinet Office, and more.
Amongst this year’s cohort, four researchers from the University of Exeter were selected through a highly competitive interview process to contribute to vital areas of research interest for UK policymakers. Anna Mountford-Zimdars, Professor of Education and co-director of the Centre for Social Mobility, is partnering with the What Works Centre for Transforming Access and Student Outcomes, while Dr Lucrezia Nava, Lecturer in Sustainable Business Management is sharing her understanding of natural hazards with the Environment Agency. Dr Amy Bond, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Children and Young People’s Mental Health (ChYMe) Research Collaboration, is set to contribute to ongoing work within the Welsh Government, and Professor Jacqueline Christmas from the Department of Computer Science is working with the Government Office for Science on their Emerging Technologies and Safer Streets Fellowship.
“The fellowship has given me the opportunity to engage directly with policymakers and practitioners, and to better understand the behavioural and organisational challenges they face.” Dr Nava has told us. “These early conversations have been invaluable in shaping a research agenda that is both rigorous and closely aligned with operational needs.”
Researchers from the University of Exeter have benefitted from previous iterations of the UKRI Policy Fellowship scheme. Alumni of the fellowship scheme include researchers Professor Katharine Boyd and Dr Stephen Siegert, who shared details of their experience working with policymakers in a past blog post. The UKRI Policy Fellowship scheme is expected to reopen to a new cohort in spring 2027. If you would like to hear updates on this and other policy engagement opportunities, keep an eye out for our newsletter.