Academics from Brunel University of London are once again contributing their expertise to government policy through the Policy Insights Unit’s Policy Fellowship Programme.
This year, 20 officials from 16 government departments and public bodies have been selected to participate in the programme. Of those, 5 have been matched with researchers at Brunel University of London, working together on live policy challenges in areas including AI and digital technology, ageing and loneliness, healthcare innovation, stakeholder engagement and environmental sustainability. Brunel academics Dr Hayleigh Bosher, Dr Asress Gikay, Dr Eleni Iacovidou, Professor Subhash Pokhrel, Dr Manu Savani and Professor Christina Victor will be working with officials from a range of government departments.
Run by the UK Government’s Policy Insights Unit (PIU), the Policy Fellowship offers part-time mentoring support from academic experts to help civil servants answer a specific policy question over the course of six months. Fellows are matched with mentors from four universities: Brunel University of London, Lancaster University, the University of Surrey and the University of York.
This year’s cohort includes officials from departments and organisations such as the Home Office, COVID-19 Inquiry, Ministry of Defence, the NHS, and West Midlands Combined Authority, working on topics ranging from healthcare innovation and environmental sustainability to AI, digital technology and policy design.
Professor Justin Fisher, Director of Brunel Public Policy, said: “The Policy Insights Unit Fellowship is an excellent scheme in which we are delighted to take part. We are committed to helping provide robust evidence in policymaking, and place great value on our collaboration with government. This scheme supports our goals of informing and enhancing public life.”
“We really value the expertise and support our university partners bring to the Policy Fellowship Programme,” said Chris Finnigan, Senior Policy Adviser at the Policy Insights Unit, and Policy Fellowship Programme Lead.
“Their academic mentors give Fellows the opportunity to explore live policy questions from different perspectives and draw on research and evidence that can strengthen their work. We’re grateful to colleagues at Brunel University of London for their continued contribution to the programme.”
Brunel University of London students and early career researchers may also have the opportunity to engage with the fellows and gain insight into how research can shape public policy.
Find more information about the Policy Fellowship Programme here
Find more information about the Policy Insights Unit here