Sector transition: UKRI policy fellowships 2026

Opportunity status: Open
Funders: UK Research and Innovation, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), Medical Research Council (MRC), Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Funding type: Fellowship
Award range: £180,000 – £280,000
Publication date: 5 June 2026
Opening date: 9 June 2026 9:00am UK time
Closing date: 10 September 2026 4:00pm UK time

Apply for this sector transition fellowship to transfer knowledge and skills across academic and policy sectors and increase sector porosity. You will spend 18 months as a UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) core policy fellow, a Natural Hazards and Resilience policy fellow or a What Works Innovation fellow to inform policy to address pressing national and global challenges.

The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to:

  • £180,000 for Core Policy fellowships
  • £220,000 for What Works Innovation fellowships
  • £280,000 for Natural Hazards and Resilience fellowships

UKRI will fund 80% of the FEC.

Apply here

Closing date: 10 September 2026