Independent report

Stepping up: UKRI policy fellowships 2023 scheme evaluation report

An evaluation of the 2023 UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) policy fellowships.

From:
UKRI, ESRC and UCL Consultants
Published:

Documents

Details

The aim of the UKRI Policy Fellowship scheme is to strengthen evidence‑informed policymaking by facilitating mobility between academia and policy environments, ensuring that policymakers have access to research expertise while researchers gain insight into policy contexts.

This evaluation of the 2023 scheme finds that the programme has matured significantly since the 2021 pilot and has been highly successful in delivering professional development for fellows and added value for host organisations. While the scheme is particularly effective in generating relational and conceptual benefits, the evaluation also identifies areas for improvement to support longer‑term impact.

It is hoped that the findings of this report will inform future delivery of the scheme and contribute to strategic thinking on research–policy engagement.

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