UK Data Service Data Impact Fellows 2027–28: £3,500 Award and Professional Development Support for Early Career Researchers and Data Analysts.

The UK Data Service Data Impact Fellows 2027–28 scheme is inviting applications from early career researchers and data analysts working in the UK academic or voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sectors who use data available through the UK Data Service in their research or analysis.

The fellowship provides selected participants with a £3,500 award, dedicated support, training, networking opportunities and opportunities to develop practical approaches for turning data-driven research into meaningful impact. Fellows will also have opportunities to share their work with wider audiences through the UK Data Service’s communications channels, events, blog and other impact activities.

The programme will run from January 2027 to December 2028, giving successful applicants a two-year opportunity to develop their research-impact skills, expand their professional networks and demonstrate how their work can create value beyond academia.

About the UK Data Service Data Impact Fellows 2027–28

The Data Impact Fellows scheme is designed for early career professionals who want to strengthen the impact and engagement dimensions of their data-enhanced research or analysis.

Using research data effectively is only one part of producing meaningful research. Researchers and analysts increasingly need to communicate findings to policymakers, practitioners, communities, organisations and other non-academic audiences. The Data Impact Fellows scheme aims to help participants develop the skills, connections and practical experience required to engage these audiences and translate research into impact.

The 2027–28 cohort will receive financial support alongside structured learning, networking and mentoring opportunities. Fellows will work with the UK Data Service to develop ideas for engaging different audiences and creating impact from their work.

The programme will run for two years, from January 2027 through December 2028.

What Does the Data Impact Fellowship Offer?

Successful applicants will receive a combination of financial support, professional development, networking and opportunities to showcase their work.

1. A £3,500 Award

Each Data Impact Fellow will receive a £3,500 grant to support the development of their impact and engagement activities.

The funding is intended to help Fellows turn their ideas into practical activities that can increase the reach and impact of their research or data analysis.

The UK Data Service will work with each Fellow to develop a spending plan that is appropriate for their project. This means applicants do not simply receive funding without support; they will have an opportunity to discuss how the money can be used most effectively.

The funding can support a wide range of activities, although Fellows are expected to allocate part of the award towards an activity that engages a non-academic audience.

The UK Data Service will help Fellows develop and shape this engagement activity.

Previous examples of activities include initiatives such as The Living Library and the Changing Perceptions Challenge.

Once a Fellow’s proposed activities and spending plan have been approved, they will be able to claim eligible costs back from the UK Data Service.

2. Networking With Other Fellows

The fellowship provides opportunities to build relationships with other researchers and analysts participating in the 2027 cohort.

Fellows will participate in both face-to-face and online activities, allowing them to exchange ideas, discuss challenges and learn from one another.

Participants will also become part of the wider Data Impact Fellow community, giving them opportunities to connect with previous cohorts and benefit from the experiences of Fellows who have already completed the programme.

For early career researchers and analysts, this network can be particularly valuable for developing collaborations and discovering new professional opportunities.

3. Training and One-to-One Support

Fellows will have access to learning opportunities and dedicated support from experts in research impact and engagement.

The training and support will help participants develop practical skills in areas such as:

• Engaging different audiences with research.
• Communicating data and research findings effectively.
• Developing research impact.
• Identifying opportunities for engagement.
• Designing activities that reach non-academic audiences.
• Developing impact strategies.
• Understanding different approaches to research impact.
• Turning research ideas into practical engagement activities.

Fellows will also receive one-to-one support to help them make effective use of their £3,500 award and maximise the benefits of their project.

4. Opportunities to Showcase Your Work

The programme provides several opportunities for Fellows to raise the profile of their work.

Selected Fellows may share their experiences and ideas through the Data Impact blog and other UK Data Service impact channels.

They may also contribute to activities designed to demonstrate how research and data can generate meaningful impact.

These opportunities can help Fellows develop their professional profile while demonstrating practical experience in research communication, public engagement and impact development.

5. Participation in Impact Events

Fellows will have opportunities to contribute to and participate in Data Impact events.

These activities provide opportunities to connect with a wider community of:

• Researchers
• Practitioners
• Policymakers
• Data professionals
• Other stakeholders interested in research impact

Participation can help Fellows understand how research findings can be communicated and applied in different professional and policy environments.

6. Opportunities to Contribute to a Case Study

Fellows may also have the opportunity to showcase their work and impact journey through the development of a case study.

They may contribute to the UK Data Service’s impact themes and help demonstrate the different ways in which research using data can create impact.

7. Potential Contribution to a Podcast

The fellowship also offers opportunities for Fellows to contribute to an upcoming podcast series.

This provides another avenue for participants to communicate their research and experiences to wider audiences and develop their skills in communicating complex ideas in accessible formats.

Why Apply for the UK Data Service Data Impact Fellowship?

The fellowship goes beyond financial support. It is designed as a professional development opportunity for early career researchers and analysts who want to become better at creating and communicating research impact.

The previous cohorts demonstrate the potential value of participating in the scheme.

The UK Data Service reports that its previous five cohorts, dating back to 2016, have been involved in a wide range of activities and have subsequently pursued different research areas and career paths.

Previous Fellows have highlighted several benefits of participating in the programme, including:

• Networking with other early career researchers.
• Building collaborations.
• Learning about research impact.
• Developing new approaches to engagement.
• Expanding professional networks.
• Strengthening career prospects.
• Identifying funding opportunities.
• Developing practical experience that can differentiate applicants in competitive career environments.

For example, Roxana Pollack, a 2025 Data Impact Fellow, described the experience as beneficial for developing her understanding of research impact, networking with other early career researchers and receiving training on different perspectives and tools for creating impact.

Similarly, Tasos Papastylianou, a 2023 Fellow, highlighted how connections developed through the scheme had opened new opportunities for collaboration.

Previous Fellow Christian Reynolds, from the 2019 cohort, also reported that participating in the scheme directly changed his practice and expanded his networks, including contributing to funding and job opportunities.

Another 2019 Fellow, Ben Brindle, described the experience as useful in his career development because it demonstrated initiative, the ability to develop a challenge and the ability to work with experts beyond simply holding academic qualifications.

These experiences demonstrate that the fellowship can be particularly valuable for people seeking to combine research expertise with practical engagement and impact skills.

What Will Data Impact Fellows Be Expected to Do?

The fellowship is a two-year commitment, and successful applicants will be expected to participate actively throughout the programme.

Participants will have several responsibilities.

Attend an Initial Face-to-Face Meeting in Bristol

Fellows must commit to attending a face-to-face meeting in Bristol during the week beginning 22 February 2027.

The UK Data Service will cover travel and accommodation costs where necessary.

The exact timing of the meeting will be confirmed by the organisers.

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Participate in Regular Online Meetups

Fellows will be expected to participate in regular online meetings.

These sessions will last a maximum of one hour and will be scheduled to accommodate the majority of participants.

The online meetings will include a mixture of:

• Training.
• Support.
• Networking.
• Discussion.
• Professional learning.
• Fellowship-related activities.

Write at Least Four Data Impact Blog Posts

Each Fellow will be expected to write a minimum of four Data Impact blog posts during the two-year fellowship.

These posts provide an opportunity to share experiences, ideas, research-impact activities and lessons learned with a broader audience.

Contribute to an Impact Event

Fellows will be expected to contribute to the UK Data Service’s Autumn 2027 impact event.

This provides an opportunity to share their work and engage with researchers, practitioners, policymakers and other stakeholders.

Participate in Other Impact Activities

Fellows may also be asked to contribute to other impact channels and activities.

These could include:

• Podcast activities.
• Impact themes.
• Case studies.
• Communications activities.
• Other opportunities to showcase research impact.

How Can the £3,500 Award Be Used?

The £3,500 award is intended to support activities that help Fellows develop their research impact and audience engagement.

The UK Data Service will work directly with successful applicants to create an appropriate spending plan.

The funding can therefore be tailored to the Fellow’s project rather than being restricted to one predefined type of activity.

However, an important requirement is that part of the funding must support an activity that engages a non-academic audience.

This requirement reflects the wider purpose of the fellowship: helping researchers and analysts move beyond academic dissemination and explore how data-driven work can reach and benefit wider audiences.

The UK Data Service will support Fellows in developing and shaping this activity.

Photography, Video and Profile Promotion

The fellowship also includes opportunities for Fellows to raise their professional profile.

Because the UK Data Service wants to showcase the success and experiences of its Fellows, participants will be asked to provide consent for photography and video recording during face-to-face events.

The UK Data Service will also use each Fellow’s:

• Headshot.
• Short biography.
• Data Impact blog contributions.

These materials may be used when promoting the Fellows and their work through relevant UK Data Service channels.

Applicants should therefore be comfortable with the possibility of having their fellowship experience and professional work publicly showcased.

Who Can Apply for the Data Impact Fellows 2027–28 Scheme?

The programme has a specific applicant profile.

Applicants must meet the core eligibility requirements set by the UK Data Service.

To be eligible, applicants must:

1. Work for a UK-based charity or university/higher education institution (HEI).
2. Use data available through the UK Data Service in their research or data analysis.
3. Be an early career researcher or data analyst.

The organisers have deliberately taken a flexible approach to defining “early career” because they want the fellowship to be accessible to people following different career paths.

Early Career Applicants in the VCSE Sector

For applicants working in the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector, the organisers indicate that an early career applicant is likely to be in their first or second role.

Early Career Applicants in Academia

Within academia, an early career applicant is likely to be:

• A PhD student; or
• Someone in their first post-doctoral role.

However, these descriptions are not presented as rigid requirements. The UK Data Service states that it is flexible about the definition of early career and encourages applicants with questions about their eligibility to contact the impact team.

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Which Countries Can Apply?

This opportunity has a specific institutional eligibility requirement.

Applicants must be working for a UK-based charity or university/HEI and must use data available through the UK Data Service in their research or analysis.

Therefore, the opportunity should not be interpreted as an unrestricted fellowship open to anyone from any country simply because they are an early career researcher.

For international researchers, the key consideration is whether they meet the programme’s requirement to be working for an eligible UK-based organisation.

The information provided does not specify a particular nationality, race or ethnic group requirement. The primary eligibility criteria concern the applicant’s employment/institutional affiliation, career stage and use of UK Data Service data.

Prospective applicants who are unsure whether their organisation or career situation qualifies are encouraged to contact the UK Data Service impact team at ukdsimpact@jisc.ac.uk before applying.

Application Deadline for the Data Impact Fellows 2027–28

Applications for the UK Data Service Data Impact Fellows 2027–28 scheme opened on:

28 September 2026

The application deadline is:

30 November 2026 at 23:59.

Applicants should ensure that their applications are submitted before the deadline because late applications may not be considered.

Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified by mid-January 2027.

Key Programme Dates

Applicants should take note of the following dates:

Following selection, successful Fellows will also be asked to provide a short introduction about themselves, their work and why they applied for the fellowship. Their short biography and photograph will be included in the public announcement of the new cohort.

How to Prepare a Strong Application

Applicants should make sure their application clearly demonstrates how they meet the core requirements of the scheme.

A strong application should make it easy for the selection team to understand:

1. Your Career Stage

Explain your current position and why you consider yourself an early career researcher or data analyst.

If you are in academia, clearly explain your current stage, such as being a PhD student or early postdoctoral researcher.

If you work in the VCSE sector, explain your professional experience and current role.

2. Your Use of UK Data Service Data

This is particularly important.

Applicants should clearly demonstrate that their research or data analysis uses data available through the UK Data Service.

Explain what role the data plays in your work and what research, analytical or practical questions you are addressing.

3. Your Impact and Engagement Idea

Think carefully about how your work could reach audiences outside your immediate academic or professional environment.

Consider:

• Who could benefit from your research?
• What non-academic audiences should be reached?
• How could your findings be communicated?
• What engagement activities could make your work more accessible?
• What change could your research contribute to?
• How could the £3,500 award help you achieve this?

4. Your Interest in Research Impact

Applicants should demonstrate an interest in moving beyond producing research outputs and developing meaningful impact.

Explain what you hope to learn from the fellowship and how the training, networking and support would strengthen your work.

5. Your Long-Term Professional Goals

The fellowship may also contribute to career development.

Applicants can explain how participating in the scheme would help them develop skills, networks and experience relevant to their future research or professional ambitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UK Data Service Data Impact Fellows programme?

It is a two-year fellowship scheme designed for early career researchers and data analysts working for eligible UK-based organisations and using UK Data Service data in their research or analysis.

How much funding does each Fellow receive?

Each selected Fellow receives a £3,500 award to support activities related to research impact and engagement.

When does the fellowship run?

The 2027–28 programme will run from January 2027 to December 2028.

Is the £3,500 award unrestricted cash?

No. The UK Data Service will work with Fellows to develop a spending plan tailored to their project. Part of the funding must support an activity that engages a non-academic audience.

Are there networking opportunities?

Yes. Fellows will have opportunities to meet other members of their cohort both online and in person. They will also join the wider Data Impact Fellow community and have opportunities to connect with previous Fellows.

Is there an in-person meeting?

Yes. Fellows must attend an initial face-to-face meeting in Bristol during the week beginning 22 February 2027. Travel and accommodation costs will be covered where necessary.

Are there online meetings?

Yes. Fellows will participate in regular online meetups lasting a maximum of one hour.

How many blog posts must Fellows write?

Each Fellow must write at least four Data Impact blog posts over the two-year programme.

Do Fellows have to participate in impact events?

Yes. Fellows are expected to contribute to the Autumn 2027 impact event and may also participate in other impact activities.

When will applicants know the outcome?

Applicants will be notified by mid-January 2027.

Who funds the UK Data Service?

The UK Data Service is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), with contributions from partners.

The service is supported by the University of Essex, University of Manchester, Jisc, UCL and the University of Edinburgh.

How to Apply for the UK Data Service Data Impact Fellows 2027–28

Eligible applicants should apply through the official UK Data Service Data Impact Fellows 2027–28 application process.

Applications opened on 28 September 2026 and close at 23:59 on 30 November 2026.

Applicants should review the eligibility requirements carefully before submitting an application, particularly the requirement to work for a UK-based charity or university/HEI and to use data available through the UK Data Service.

For questions about eligibility or the application process, applicants can contact the UK Data Service impact team at ukdsimpact@jisc.ac.uk.

Conclusion

The UK Data Service Data Impact Fellows 2027–28 scheme offers an opportunity for early career researchers and data analysts to strengthen the impact of their data-driven work while developing valuable professional skills and networks.

The combination of a £3,500 award, dedicated support, training, networking, public engagement opportunities, professional profile development and access to the wider Data Impact Fellow community makes the programme particularly relevant to researchers and analysts who want their work to reach audiences beyond academia.

The fellowship also places strong emphasis on practical impact. Fellows are expected not only to participate in training and networking but also to develop engagement activities, communicate their experiences through Data Impact blog posts, contribute to events and explore ways of making research useful and accessible to non-academic audiences.

For eligible early career researchers and analysts who are already using UK Data Service data, the programme can provide both financial resources and structured support to turn research-impact ideas into practical activities.

Interested applicants should begin preparing early and ensure that they submit their application before the 30 November 2026 at 23:59 deadline.

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