The Defra Research and Development (R&D) Fellowship Programme 2027/28 is now accepting applications from talented scientists, researchers, engineers, and analytical professionals who want to make a real-world impact by contributing to UK government policy. This prestigious fellowship, offered by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), provides an exceptional opportunity for external researchers from academia and industry to work at the intersection of science, evidence, and policymaking.

Now in its fourth year, the Defra R&D Fellowship Programme has become one of the UK’s leading policy-focused fellowship opportunities, giving researchers the chance to spend up to 12 months working directly within government while helping shape policies on environmental protection, climate change, agriculture, biodiversity, food security, and many other national priorities.

About the Defra Research and Development Fellowship Programme

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is responsible for some of the UK’s most important public policy areas, including environmental protection, sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, food production, water systems, biodiversity, and national environmental security.

Through the Research and Development Fellowship Programme, Defra brings together talented researchers and analysts from universities, research institutions, and industry to contribute their expertise to government projects.

Rather than remaining solely within academic or industrial research environments, fellows gain first-hand experience of how scientific evidence is translated into practical government policy. The programme is specifically designed to strengthen collaboration between the research community and policymakers.

Why This Fellowship Is Unique

Unlike many traditional research fellowships, the Defra R&D Fellowship focuses on policy impact. Fellows become embedded within Defra’s science, evidence, and policy teams, where they contribute directly to projects that influence national decision-making.

As a fellow, you will:

• Work alongside government scientists, analysts, and policy experts.

• Apply your research expertise to real public policy challenges.

• Contribute to national environmental and agricultural strategies.

• Build strong professional networks across government and research institutions.

• Develop valuable policy, communication, and leadership skills.

• Experience how evidence informs government decisions.

Fellowship Duration

Successful applicants will join Defra on a short-term appointment lasting between six months and one year.

Key dates include:

Defra also offers flexibility in certain circumstances, including secondment arrangements for applicants who wish to remain employed by their current institution while participating in the fellowship.

Areas You Could Work On

The fellowship covers a wide range of research and policy areas across Defra’s responsibilities. Fellows may contribute to projects involving:

Environmental Protection

• Biodiversity conservation

• Ecosystem restoration

• Nature recovery

• Wildlife protection

• Air quality improvement

• Marine and freshwater ecosystems

Climate Change and Sustainability

• Climate adaptation

• Climate resilience

• Carbon reduction strategies

• Environmental risk assessment

• Sustainable resource management

Food and Agriculture

• Sustainable food production

• Farming innovation

• Agricultural policy

• Animal health and welfare

• Plant science

• Fisheries management

Science, Data, and Innovation

• Artificial intelligence applications

• Data science

• Statistical analysis

• Environmental modelling

• Geographic analysis

• Operational research

• Scientific evidence synthesis

National Security and Environmental Risk

• Natural hazards

• Biosecurity

• Environmental resilience

• Risk management

• Public safety initiatives

Because Defra’s work spans numerous disciplines, fellows from diverse scientific and analytical backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

What You Will Be Doing as a Defra Fellow

During your fellowship, you will become an integral member of a Defra team. Your responsibilities may include:

• Conducting high-quality scientific or analytical research.

• Supporting the development of government policies.

• Synthesizing complex research evidence.

• Communicating scientific findings to policymakers.

• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

• Working with Defra’s public sector research establishments.

• Engaging with stakeholders from academia, government, and industry.

• Supporting innovation across environmental and agricultural programmes.

Rather than working in isolation, fellows collaborate with professionals from different disciplines, creating an exciting environment where research directly influences public policy.

Benefits of the Defra R&D Fellowship Programme

The programme offers numerous professional and career development benefits.

1. Work on High-Impact National Projects

Your research can directly influence UK government decisions on issues such as climate change, environmental protection, food systems, biodiversity, and public resilience.

2. Gain Policy Experience

Many researchers have limited exposure to policymaking. This fellowship provides valuable insight into how government develops evidence-based policies.

3. Build a Strong Professional Network

Fellows work closely with:

• Government scientists

• Policy advisers

• Analysts

• Academic researchers

• Public sector organisations

• Industry experts

4. Develop Transferable Skills

Participants strengthen skills in:

• Policy writing

• Scientific communication

• Stakeholder engagement

• Evidence synthesis

• Project management

• Leadership

• Cross-disciplinary collaboration

5. Career Development

Previous fellows have highlighted the programme as an excellent stepping stone into careers in:

• Government research

• Public policy

• Civil Service

• Academic leadership

• Research management

• Environmental consultancy

6. Competitive Salary

Successful fellows receive a salary funded by Defra.

Current salary ranges include:

Some fellowship projects may also qualify for an additional £3,000 Specialist Skills Supplement (pro rata where applicable).

Who Should Apply?

Defra welcomes applications from researchers at different career stages.

The fellowship is particularly suitable for:

• Early-career researchers.

• Mid-career researchers.

• Experienced scientists.

• Analysts seeking policy experience.

• Researchers from academia.

• Professionals working in industry.

• Technical specialists interested in public policy.

Importantly, previous policy experience is not required. Defra provides opportunities for fellows to develop policy knowledge throughout the programme.

Eligible Academic and Professional Backgrounds

Applicants from a broad range of disciplines are encouraged to apply, including:

Scientific Disciplines

• Environmental science

• Biological sciences

• Agricultural sciences

• Plant sciences

• Animal sciences

• Marine science

• Earth sciences

• Climate science

• Ecology

• Microbiology

• Chemistry

• Physics

Engineering Fields

• Environmental engineering

• Agricultural engineering

• Civil engineering

• Mechanical engineering

• Systems engineering

Analytical Professions

• Statistics

• Economics

• Social research

• Operational research

• Data science

• Geography

• Artificial intelligence

• Machine learning

Defra is actively seeking people with strong scientific or analytical expertise who can contribute fresh perspectives to government projects.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, applicants should meet one of the following academic or professional pathways.

Option 1

You have:

• An undergraduate degree in a science, engineering, or analytical discipline.

• A postgraduate degree (or expect to complete one before 1 April 2027).

Option 2

You are:

• A Chartered Engineer.

• A Chartered Scientist registered through an appropriate professional institution recognised by the Engineering Council or Science Council.

Applicants must also demonstrate:

• Strong technical expertise.

• Excellent communication skills.

• Motivation to contribute to public policy.

• Interest in evidence-based decision-making.

• Ability to work collaboratively across disciplines.

  What Skills Does Defra Look For?

Successful applicants typically demonstrate:

• Scientific excellence.

• Analytical thinking.

• Research expertise.

• Critical problem-solving.

• Strong written communication.

• Ability to explain complex ideas clearly.

• Stakeholder engagement skills.

• Teamwork and collaboration.

• Adaptability in fast-paced environments.

• Interest in innovation and public service.

How the Application Process Works

The application process is completed online through the UK Civil Service Careers portal.

Applicants will be required to submit:

1. Employment history.

2. Educational qualifications.

3. Online application form.

4. A 500-word personal statement explaining:

   • Relevant experience.

   • Technical expertise.

   • Motivation for joining Defra.

   • Interest in the chosen policy area.

5. Preferred policy areas.

After applications close:

• Applications will be shortlisted.

• Selected candidates will attend virtual interviews.

• Successful applicants will be matched with suitable Defra projects.

• A reserve list may also be created for future opportunities.

Selection Process

Defra assesses candidates based on several important criteria.

These include:

• Scientific or analytical expertise.

• Technical knowledge.

• Communication skills.

• Motivation for the fellowship.

• Relevant research experience.

• Ability to contribute to policy-focused projects.

Virtual interviews will be conducted with relevant Defra science and analysis teams.

What Previous Fellows Have Gained

Past participants have described the fellowship as a transformative professional experience.

According to former fellows, the programme has helped them:

• Transition from academia into policy.

• Learn government decision-making processes.

• Develop AI and data science skills.

• Lead important environmental research projects.

• Expand professional networks.

• Build expertise in project management.

• Gain experience communicating science to policymakers.

Several fellows have worked on projects involving environmental monitoring, fisheries management, modelling, biodiversity, and innovative research methods.

Attend the Free Information Webinar

Anyone interested in applying is encouraged to attend Defra’s live online applicant information session.

Webinar Details

During the webinar, participants will:

• Learn more about the fellowship.

• Hear experiences from previous fellows.

• Understand the application process.

• Ask questions directly to Defra representatives.

Registration is available through the official Eventbrite information session.

The Defra Research and Development Fellowship Programme offers much more than a traditional research placement. It is an opportunity to:

• Influence national policy.

• Apply scientific expertise to real-world challenges.

• Develop valuable leadership and communication skills.

• Work alongside leading scientists and policymakers.

• Expand your professional network.

• Gain practical experience within the UK Civil Service.

• Contribute to environmental sustainability and innovation.

Whether your long-term career is in academia, government, research, or industry, this fellowship provides unique experience that can significantly strengthen your professional profile.

Visit HERE to learn more about the Defra Research and Development Fellowship Programme 2027/28.

Conclusion

The Defra Research and Development Fellowship Programme 2027/28 is an outstanding opportunity for scientists, engineers, and analytical professionals who want to see their research make a tangible difference in society. By joining Defra, fellows become part of multidisciplinary teams working on some of the UK’s most urgent environmental, agricultural, and policy challenges.

With competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, extensive networking opportunities, and the chance to influence evidence-based government policy, this fellowship is an excellent career development opportunity for researchers at both early and mid-career stages. If you are passionate about using science and analysis to create meaningful public impact, this is a fellowship worth applying for before the 14 September 2026 deadline.

For more global Fellowship opportunity visit OFY HERE