Researchers from Brunel University of London are partnering with UK government officials to help address some of the country's most pressing policy challenges, through the Policy Insights Unit's Policy Fellowship Programme.
Five Brunel academics have been matched with civil servants working on live policy questions across areas including artificial intelligence, healthcare innovation, ageing and loneliness, stakeholder engagement, and environmental sustainability.
The six-month fellowship programme, delivered by the UK Government's Policy Insights Unit (PIU), connects policymakers with leading academic experts who can provide evidence, research insights and specialist knowledge to support policy development.
This year, 20 officials from 16 government departments and public bodies were selected to take part. Brunel researchers working with fellows include Dr Hayleigh Bosher, Dr Asress Gikay, Dr Eleni Iacovidou, Professor Subhash Pokhrel, Dr Manu Savani and Professor Christina Victor.
The fellows come from a range of organisations including the Home Office, Ministry of Defence, NHS, COVID-19 Inquiry and West Midlands Combined Authority. Together, they are exploring policy challenges ranging from healthcare innovation and environmental sustainability to AI, digital technology and policy design.
The fellowship programme is run in partnership with four universities: Brunel University of London, Lancaster University, the University of Surrey and the University of York.
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."
Chris Finnigan, Senior Policy Adviser at the Policy Insights Unit and Policy Fellowship Programme Lead, said:
"We really value the expertise and support our university partners bring to the Policy Fellowship Programme.
"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."
The programme also creates opportunities for Brunel students and early career researchers to gain valuable insight into how academic research informs policymaking and contributes to decision-making across government.
By connecting academic expertise with real-world policy challenges, the fellowship helps ensure that evidence and research play a central role in shaping public policy and improving outcomes for communities across the UK.
Find out more
Learn more about the Policy Fellowship Programme.
Find out more about the Policy Insights Unit.