UKRI Policy Fellowships 2025 (Fully Funded)

Description

The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Policy Fellowships 2025 are now open, offering 42 fully funded research fellowships based within 29 different UK government departments, devolved governments, and What Works Networks. This prestigious program aims to bridge the gap between academic research and public policy, fostering deeper collaboration and impactful change.

With a deadline of 15 July 2025, this is a unique opportunity for early, mid-career, and experienced researchers to embed within policy teams and influence national decision-making on critical issues including climate change, health security, resilience, and innovation.

What Are UKRI Policy Fellowships?

The UKRI Policy Fellowships 2025 initiative is a major government-backed program designed to enhance the use of evidence and research in policymaking. It encourages mutual learning and long-term collaboration between academia and government.

Fellowship Duration: 18 months

Start Date: Autumn 2025

Host Departments: 29 UK-based organisations

Number of Fellowships: 42 total positions available

Degree Level

UKRI Policy Fellowships 2025 (Fully Funded) is available to undertake Fellowship level programs at UK Universities.

Available Subjects

Following subject are available to study under this scholarship program.

Benefits

All fellows will:

1. Receive mentorship and training
2. Join a national cohort of academic policy fellows
3. Participate in workshops and knowledge-sharing events
4. Contribute to real-time policy challenges

Types of UKRI Policy Fellowships 2025

There are three types of fellowships offered:

1. Core Policy Fellowships

1. Open to early and mid-career academics
2. Focused on key public policy priorities and government missions
3. Example Posts:
4. Cabinet Office: Clean Energy Mission
5. DAERA: One Health and Climate Change
6. Welsh Government: Behavioural Science for Climate Policy

2. Natural Hazards and Resilience Fellowships

1. Focused on climate risk and disaster preparedness
2. Example Posts:
3. Defra: Oceanic Climate Risks
4. DESNZ: Climate Science
5. Scottish Government: Coastal Change

3. What Works Innovation Fellowships

1. Open to all career stages
2. Based within What Works Centres
3. Aim to strengthen evidence-based policymaking

Eligible Nationalities

Open to applicants of all nationalities.

Eligibility Criteria

Who Can Apply for the UKRI Policy Fellowships 2025?

To be eligible, applicants must:

1. Be based at a UKRI-eligible institution
2. Hold expertise in social sciences, or other relevant disciplines including climate science, economics, environmental science, and public health
3. Be able to demonstrate interdisciplinary research impact

Why Apply for a UKRI Policy Fellowship?

1. Influence National Policy: Apply your research directly to key societal challenges.
2. Career Development: Build experience in policy-relevant roles.
3. Expand Networks: Collaborate with government agencies, think tanks, and fellow academics.
4. Real-World Impact: Contribute to evidence-based policymaking on pressing issues like net zero, public health, and resilience.

Application Procedure

Application Deadline: 15 July 2025

To apply, visit the official UKRI Policy Fellowships 2025 page and browse detailed descriptions for each post.

MASTS Highlights Key Fellowship Opportunities for 2025

As part of its ongoing mission to support marine and environmental science careers in Scotland, MASTS highlights the following fellowships particularly relevant to its community:

1. Natural Hazards Fellowship with the Scottish Government on coastal change resilience
2. Environment Agency Fellowship on natural hazard response
3. UKHSA Fellowship on health security and behavioural science

These fellowships align with Scotland’s climate action agenda, marine policy development, and nature-based solutions for a just transition.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a climate scientist, marine researcher, economist, or public health expert, the UKRI Policy Fellowships 2025 offer an unparalleled opportunity to shape UK policy using your research expertise. Apply by 15 July 2025 and become a part of the national mission to solve today’s most urgent challenges with academic insight.