Applications are now open for the Open Innovation Team (OIT) Policy Fellowships 2025 . If you are a UK civil servant (SEO-G6) looking to deepen your understanding of policy research and engage with leading academic experts, this fellowship provides a unique opportunity to work closely with mentors from top universities. The programme allows fellows to explore policy challenges, refine their research skills, and develop evidence-based solutions to key government issues. Everything you need to is in this comprehensive article.
OIT Policy Fellowships Summary
Location: Flexible, with remote and in-person mentorship options
Host Institutions: Brunel University London, University of Essex, Lancaster University, University of Surrey, University of York
Fellowship Type: Professional development
Research Fields: Education, health and social care, environment and sustainability, AI and digital policy, government policy, business and employment, and other policy-relevant areas .
Duration: Six months, approximately one day per week (minimum 80 hours)
Application Deadline: February 24, 2025
Start Date: Late March 2025
Eligible To: UK civil servant (SEO-G6)
OIT Policy Fellowships Overview
The Open Innovation Team (OIT) is a cross-government unit that collaborates with experts to support policy development. It connects civil servants with academic specialists, helping them review evidence, analyze data, and engage with subject-matter experts to improve policy design. The Policy Fellowship is a structured, part-time mentorship programme that pairs civil servants with academic mentors to explore policy questions and produce high-quality research outputs.
Activities and What to Expect
Fellows will work with an academic mentor to research a policy-related question of their choosing. Over six months, they will:
Receive expert guidance and support in their research area
Develop skills in data analysis, evidence review, and policy evaluation
Engage in structured mentoring sessions (six to eight hours per month)
Produce a policy-focused research output, such as a policy paper or literature review
Participate in discussions and networking with academics and fellow civil servants
Gain confidence in using academic research to inform government policy
Research Questions and Policy Areas
The 2025 OIT Policy Fellowship supports research across various fields, with academic mentors specializing in the following areas:
1. Education – Inequalities, school effectiveness, mental health, special educational needs (SEND), sex and relationships education, language and literacy.
2. Health & Social Care – NHS workforce, digital healthcare, adult and family health, ageing, palliative care, mental health, health inequalities, child nutrition, disability, child development.
3. Environment & Sustainability– Sustainable energy, environmental engineering, circular economy, decarbonisation, pollution, clean water, coastal defence, green digital infrastructure.
4. Artificial Intelligence, Digital & Data – AI in healthcare, AI policy, robotics, cybersecurity, digital sustainability.
5. Government– Intelligence and security, electoral modernisation, communication strategies, productivity, innovation.
6. Business, Work & Employment – Work policies, employment, industrial organization, entrepreneurship.
7. Other Policy Areas – Creative industries, coastal communities, the justice system, and socioeconomic inequalities.
Fellowship Benefits
Access to expert academic mentorship from leading universities
Improved research skills, including data analysis and policy evaluation
Opportunities for networking with scholars and policymakers
Enhanced confidence in engaging with research evidence and policy development
A structured framework to support career progression in the civil service
OIT Policy Fellowships Eligibility and Conditions
Open to UK civil servants at SEO-G6 level with a specific policy question
Applicants must obtain line manager approval before applying
Analysts and specialists within government departments may also apply
Fellows must commit at least 80 hours over six months (approximately one day per week)
Applicants should propose a research question that aligns with available academic expertise
Application Procedure
To apply for OIT Policy Fellowships 2025, applicants must do the following:
1. Research Question and Proposal – A well-defined policy-related question with a brief research proposal outlining how it aligns with your area of work and expertise. (See above section for Suggested research questions)
2. Line Manager Approval – Confirmation that your line manager supports your participation and time commitment.
3. Completed Online Application Form – Complete the online application form which Must be submitted before the deadline on February 24, 2025.
Additionally, applicants will go through a selection process that includes:
A short interview with OIT staff.
A matching meeting with a prospective academic mentor to refine the research question.
ℹ️ For Further information, download the OIT Fellowship Q&A (PDF)
For any queries or further details, applicants can contact [fellowship@openinnovation.gov.uk].
🗓️ Application Deadline: February 24, 2025
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