OITS 2026 Policy Fellowship Applications Open: A Unique Opportunity for UK Civil Servants to Collaborate with Leading Academics and Shape Evidence-Based Policy

The Office for Institutional and Thematic Studies (OITS), through its Policy Insights Unit (PIU), has officially opened applications for the highly anticipated 2026 Policy Fellowship Programme. This prestigious fellowship offers UK-based civil servants and public officials an opportunity to deepen their policy expertise, work closely with leading academics, and develop research that can contribute to better policymaking across government.

The fellowship is designed to strengthen the relationship between academia and government by enabling policymakers to engage directly with cutting-edge research while developing practical solutions to real-world policy challenges.

Application Deadline: 15 July 2026

What is the OITS 2026 Policy Fellowship?

The OITS 2026 Policy Fellowship is a six-month programme that brings together civil servants and academic experts from leading UK universities. During the fellowship period, participants will undertake policy-focused research under the guidance of an academic mentor and produce a research output relevant to their area of policy responsibility.

The programme aims to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and public policy implementation, ensuring that government decisions are informed by high-quality evidence and innovative thinking.

This initiative represents the fourth edition of the fellowship programme and builds upon the success of previous cohorts. In 2025, twenty civil servants from twelve government departments participated in the programme, collaborating with academics to produce impactful policy research and recommendations.

Fellowship Partner Universities

Successful fellows will receive mentorship from academics affiliated with some of the United Kingdom’s respected higher education institutions, including:

• Brunel University London
• Lancaster University
• University of Surrey
• University of York

These institutions provide expertise across a broad range of disciplines and policy areas, ensuring fellows receive relevant guidance tailored to their research interests.

Research Areas Available

The 2026 fellowship offers participants the opportunity to explore an expanded range of policy themes and research areas.

Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

1. Health and Wellbeing

Participants may investigate public health challenges, healthcare delivery systems, mental health policies, community wellbeing initiatives, and strategies for improving health outcomes.

2. Sustainability and Net Zero

Research may focus on climate policy, environmental sustainability, green transitions, renewable energy, and pathways toward achieving net-zero targets.

3. Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies

Fellows can explore how technological advancements are shaping society, governance, regulation, innovation, and economic development.

4. Governance and Public Administration

Research opportunities exist around public sector reform, institutional effectiveness, policymaking processes, accountability, and public service delivery.

5. Global Systems and International Relationships

Participants may investigate international cooperation, geopolitical developments, trade relationships, and global governance challenges.

6. Education and Social Justice

Potential topics include educational equity, social mobility, inclusion, workforce development, and policies aimed at reducing inequalities.

7. Creative and Cultural Futures

Research may examine the role of arts, culture, creative industries, and cultural policy in economic and social development.

8. Economic Development

Participants can focus on economic growth, productivity, innovation ecosystems, labour markets, entrepreneurship, and regional development.

Benefits of the OITS 2026 Policy Fellowship

The fellowship provides numerous professional and personal development opportunities for participants.

Academic Mentorship

Fellows will receive direct support from leading academics with specialist expertise relevant to their policy area.

Enhanced Research Skills

Participants will strengthen their abilities in:

• Data analysis
• Evidence interpretation
• Policy evaluation
• Research design
• Knowledge synthesis

Expanded Professional Networks

The programme creates valuable connections between:

• Civil servants
• Government departments
• Academic institutions
• Policy researchers
• Subject matter experts

Increased Subject Expertise

Participants gain deeper knowledge of their policy area and access to the latest academic research and evidence.

Improved Policy Impact

By integrating academic insight into policymaking, fellows are better positioned to develop innovative and evidence-based solutions to public challenges.

Who Should Apply?

The programme is seeking applications from UK-based civil servants and public officials who wish to strengthen their policy knowledge and engage more deeply with research.

Applicants should have a strong interest in evidence-informed policymaking and be prepared to dedicate time to conducting policy-related research during the fellowship period.

The fellowship is particularly suitable for individuals looking to:

• Improve policy development skills
• Expand professional networks
• Strengthen analytical capabilities
• Collaborate with academic experts
• Produce impactful policy research

Application Process

Applications for the OITS 2026 Policy Fellowship are now open, and the application form is available online.

Interested candidates should:

1. Review the official Fellowship Q&A document.
2. Carefully examine eligibility requirements.
3. Complete the official application form.
4. Submit all required materials before the deadline.

Applicants with questions regarding the fellowship can contact the programme team through the official fellowship communication channels provided by the Policy Insights Unit.

Important Deadline

Application Deadline: Wednesday, 15 July 2026

Prospective applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their applications early to ensure sufficient time for reviewing eligibility criteria, developing research ideas, and completing all application requirements.

Why This Fellowship Matters

Modern governments face increasingly complex challenges that require evidence-based and interdisciplinary solutions. The OITS 2026 Policy Fellowship provides a valuable platform for policymakers to engage directly with academic expertise and generate research-driven insights that can improve public policy outcomes.

By fostering collaboration between government and academia, the fellowship contributes to more informed decision-making, stronger policy development, and better public services. For civil servants seeking to expand their expertise and make a meaningful impact within government, this programme represents an exceptional professional development opportunity.

Discover more global fellowship opportunities on OFY here