15 May 2025
Description
The UK government has opened applications for the 2025 cohort of the prestigious Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) Fellowship, aimed at integrating 25 of the nation’s top tech minds into the heart of public service. These one-year, part-time secondments will place experts directly into government departments to accelerate AI-driven economic growth, strengthen digital resilience, and modernise public services.
The application deadline is 3 June 2025, and placements will begin later this year.
Degree Level
UK Government DSIT Fellowship 2025 is available to undertake Fellowship level programs at UK Universities.
Available Subjects
The DSIT Fellowship bridges the gap between industry, academia, and government, offering experienced professionals the opportunity to work alongside civil servants in designing and delivering strategic technology and science policies. It supports the UK’s broader ambition to become a global AI powerhouse and leader in quantum computing, semiconductors, and digital inclusion.
Fellows will engage with pressing policy areas including:
- AI (deepfake threats, scientific AI, regulation and adoption)
- Technology (telecoms resilience, semiconductor strategy, digital standards)
- Futures Thinking (quantum policy, climate security, and space)
- Public Sector Innovation (digital inclusion, government R&D, commercial science capability)
Benefits
What Fellows Will Gain
- Access to real-world policy development within UK government
- Cross-sector networks across government, academia, and private industry
- Leadership experience on nationally significant innovation initiatives
- Enhanced understanding of how science and tech policy is shaped and implemented
Alex Casson, a current DSIT Fellow and Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Manchester, described the experience as “a hands-on opportunity to see how science is integrated into government strategy, and how academic input can drive real-world decision-making.”
Strategic Importance
The Fellowship supports the UK’s Plan for Changewhich includes a national push to almost double the number of digital roles in the civil service. The initiative is designed to embed deep scientific and technical expertise directly into policymaking, while enabling knowledge transfer back into academia and private industry.
Science Minister Lord Vallance stated:
“This is how we open up government – by bringing together the UK’s leading scientific and technological talent to directly shape policy and drive innovation. This Fellowship creates a lasting partnership between government, academia, and business.”
Eligible Nationalities
Open to applicants of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
Who Can Apply?
The DSIT Fellowship is open to professionals currently employed in academia, industry, or technical roles, and affiliated with strategic partners such as:
- The Royal Society
- Royal Academy of Engineering
- Academy of Medical Sciences
- techUK
- Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
- British Standards Institute (BSI)
Applicants must be able to commit to a 12-month part-time secondment, gaining access to key government processes and contributing directly to policy and technological development.
Application Procedure
Application Details
- Application Deadline: 3 June 2025
- Number of Positions: 25
- Placement Type: 12-month, part-time secondment
- Offered by: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT)
- How to Apply: Visit the DSIT website or contact your institutional partner organisation for the application brochure and guidance
Final Note
The DSIT Fellowship 2025 is a once-in-a-career opportunity for technologists, engineers, and scientists to contribute to national innovation priorities while gaining unique insight into government strategy and execution. As the UK seeks to lead in AI, quantum, and emerging technologies, this programme ensures that world-class expertise drives forward real change.
Apply by 3 June 2025 to help shape the future of science and technology in the UK.
