Applications now open for OIT’s 2026 Policy Fellowship
The Policy Insights Unit is inviting applications for its 2026 Policy Fellowship programme, an academic mentoring scheme for UK-based public officials.
The Policy Insights Unit (PIU) is a cross-government unit that develops analysis and ideas for policy. Operating like an in-house consultancy, we agree bespoke projects to suit the needs of each customer, combining expert engagement with research synthesis and policy development.
Our Policy Fellowship is a bespoke, flexible, part-time mentoring programme that supports officials by providing help and expert insight to answer a specific policy question.
Over the course of six months, civil servants and public officials (SEO-G6 or equivalent grades) will work under the supervision of an academic mentor in a relevant field to research and produce an output based on their policy area. Mentors are drawn from our partner institutions: Brunel University London, Lancaster University, the University of Surrey and the University of York.
What you’ll gain:
- In-depth support and insight from leading academics
- New contacts across academia and the civil service
- Practical skills in data analysis and interpretation
- Enhanced subject knowledge in your chosen field
This is the fourth round of the Fellowship - in 2025, 20 civil servants from 12 different departments were paired with academics from our partner universities. An example of one of their research outputs can be found here.
This year’s programme offers an expanded range of research topics, including (but not limited to) health and wellbeing; sustainability and net zero; AI and emerging technologies; governance; global systems and relationships; education and social justice; creative and cultural futures; and economic development.
How to apply:
- The application window is currently open and closes on Wednesday 15 July 2026.
- We’re accepting applications from UK-based civil servants.
- Full details about the Fellowship and the application process can be found in our Q&A pack, and you can email policy.fellowship@policyinsightsunit.gov.uk if you have any questions.
Key documents:
- PIU Fellowship Q&A (PDF): in this document you can learn more about the PIU and the Fellowship, along with eligibility criteria and all the information you’ll need to apply.
- PIU Fellowship application form.