🇬🇧 Turn Research Into Real-World Impact – Apply for the UK Government Midlands Innovation Fellowship 2025–2026

🇬🇧 Turn Research Into Real-World Impact – Apply for the UK Government Midlands Innovation Fellowship 2025–2026

This prestigious fellowship places doctoral researchers at the very heart of the UK Parliament, where evidence meets decision-making. As a fellow, you’ll help shape the research that informs MPs, Peers, and select committees — directly influencing the policies that affect millions of lives.

About the Fellowship

The Midlands Innovation POST Fellowship Scheme offers two 13-week placements at the UK Parliament, providing hands-on experience in policy engagement and science communication.

Fellows will be based within POST, contributing to research that supports Parliament’s evidence-based decision-making. Typical tasks include preparing POSTnotes, POSTbriefs, or extended research reports, as well as assisting with seminars, select committee inquiries, and parliamentary research projects.

The fellowship can be undertaken full-time over three months or part-time to fit individual schedules.
Successful candidates will begin their placement in April 2026, coordinated among POST, Midlands Innovation, and the student’s supervisor.

Eligibility

Applicants must be:

• Registered PhD students or recent PhD graduates from one of the Midlands Innovation universities:
– University of Birmingham
– University of Leicester
– Loughborough University
– University of Warwick

(Students from Aston University, Cranfield University, Keele University, and the University of Nottingham are not eligible for this round.)

• Working in relevant research fields such as life sciences, medicine, health, biology, or social sciences
• Able to complete security vetting (Counter Terrorist Check level) before beginning the fellowship
• First-year PhD students are also eligible for 2025/26 (this may change in future rounds)

Fellowship Benefits

This fully funded research fellowship provides:

Stipend payment of £7,922.50 (one-off payment for the 13-week placement)
 For clinical academic PhD candidates, a matching 13-week PhD stipend extension
 Direct experience inside the UK Parliament, engaging with MPs, Peers, and researchers
 Skill development in policy writing, research translation, and science communication
 A powerful network across government, academia, and public policy sectors

Why Apply?

This fellowship is more than a placement — it’s an opportunity to make your research matter. You’ll gain first-hand experience in how science and evidence inform public policy, contribute to high-impact briefing materials used by Parliament, and strengthen your profile as a researcher who bridges academia and real-world governance.

Step Into the Heart of Policy

The Midlands Innovation Fellowship 2025–2026 is your chance to bring your research to life in the corridors of Parliament. Combine academic depth with national impact, collaborate with decision-makers, and help shape the policies of tomorrow.

Application Details

 Deadline: 23:55 on 19 October 2025
 Placement Start: April 2026

Applicants must download and review the application pack carefully before applying.

To Apply:
Submit your online application through the House of Commons recruitment portal, including:
• A completed application form
• A two-page briefing document on a topic relevant to Parliament (template provided)
• An approval form signed by your PhD Supervisor and Head of Department or Grant Holder