About Policy Internships
As part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)’s postgraduate training portfolio, the UKRI Policy Internships scheme provides an opportunity for UKRI-funded doctoral students to undertake a three-month placement at one of a selected group of influential policy organisations.
Currently the scheme supports on average 123 internships per year across all host partners.
During their internship, the student undertakes work on a policy topic agreed with their host partner that is relevant to both parties. At the end of the internship, the student is expected to have:
- produced a briefing paper
- participated in a policy inquiry and, or
- organised a policy event.
The intention of the scheme is to embed students in an environment where they can engage with the process of converting research outputs into policy. These internships equip students with transferable skills and training relevant to the future career paths that the student may choose.
Next funding opportunity
- status: closed
- opening date: to be confirmed
- closing date: to be confirmed
Eligibility
This scheme is only open to doctoral students funded by the research councils of UKRI:
- Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)
- Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
- Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
- Medical Research Council (MRC)
- Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
- Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).
For the purposes of applying to this scheme, students funded through UKRI Centres for Doctoral Training in artificial intelligence should follow the eligibility criteria and funding details for EPSRC grants.
Applicants should contact the training grant administrator at their Research Organisation with any queries relating to their funding status.
How to apply
Applicants should complete the online application form.
Read our guidance on how to apply.
For further information, applicants are advised to read the guidance and host partner information documents provided.
If you are having trouble accessing the online application form, please contact the NERC research careers team for an alternative version of this form.
Contact
NERC currently coordinates the scheme on behalf of UKRI and any enquiries should be directed to the NERC Talent and Skills team at researchcareers@nerc.ukri.org in the first instance.
Last updated: 12 December 2022