Public policy is constantly evolving, and the need for evidence-based decision-making has never been greater. To address this, the Open Innovation Team (OIT) Policy Fellowship 2025 offers a fully funded opportunity for UK civil servants to work closely with leading academic experts.
This six-month part-time fellowship is designed to equip policy professionals with research skills, critical thinking, and access to cutting-edge academic insights.
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This programme is open to civil servants at SEO-G6 levels, providing structured mentorship and research collaboration. Participants will explore a policy question related to their work and develop a research output, such as a policy paper or literature review.
If you are interested in advancing your career in public policy, this is a perfect opportunity. Read on to learn more about the OIT Policy Fellowship 2025, its benefits, eligibility criteria, and how to apply before the February 24, 2025 deadline.
About the OIT Policy Fellowship
The OIT Policy Fellowship is a fully funded, part-time programme aimed at civil servants at grades SEO to G6 who have a specific policy-related research question. Over six months, fellows will work with leading academics from partner universities, including:
- Brunel University London
- University of Essex
- Lancaster University
- University of Surrey
- University of York
Participants will engage in research, data analysis, and policy evaluation. The goal is to produce a research-driven policy output that supports decision-making within government departments.
Key Details of the OIT Policy Fellowship 2025
- Duration: 6 months (part-time, minimum 80 hours).
- Format: Remote and in-person mentorship with academic experts.
- Target Audience: UK civil servants from SEO-G6 levels.
- Research Focus: Participants will explore a policy question related to their work.
- Expected Outcome: Development of a research report, policy brief, or literature review.
Key Research Areas for OIT Policy Fellowship 2025
The 2025 cohort will focus on a wide range of policy topics, including:
- Education: Educational inequalities, mental health in education, special educational needs, literacy, and more.
- Health & Social Care: NHS workforce, digital healthcare, mental healthcare, and ageing.
- Artificial Intelligence & Digital Innovation: AI policy, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.
- Environmental Sustainability: Decarbonization, circular economy, and sustainable materials.
- Government & Public Administration: Intelligence and security, government communication, and productivity.
- Business, Work & Employment: Entrepreneurship, industrial organization, and employment policies.
Benefits of the OIT Policy Fellowship
- Personalized mentorship: Learn directly from top academic experts.
- Advanced research skills: Gain expertise in data analysis, policy evaluation, and critical thinking.
- Professional networking: Build connections with academics and fellow policymakers.
- Hands-on learning: Work on a real policy problem that impacts UK governance.
- Flexible participation: The programme is designed for working professionals with remote and in-person options.
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Who Can Apply?
- Open to UK civil servants in SEO-G6 grades.
- Applicants must propose a policy question aligned with their work.
- Must commit 80+ hours over six months (approximately one day per week).
- No prior research experience is required, but an interest in policy research and data analysis is beneficial.
How to Apply For OIT Policy Fellowship 2025
Deadline: February 24, 2025
For more information, visit the UK Government Official Website
