Eight Policy Fellowships awarded to UCL researchers to strengthen policy engagement and impact

In January 2025, UCL Public Policy is launching two cohorts of Policy Fellowships, supporting a total of eight UCL researchers in developing their skills in contributing to policy work and applying their knowledge and skills to issues including mental health provision, health equity and access to employment and housing. 

The first cohort is the Researchers in Residence Scheme, an ongoing  partnership between UCL and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities London (OHID),  and this year,  with City Hall. UCL Public Policy, in partnership with UCL Health of the Public, will support four Researchers in Residence during their placements with OHID and with.  

The second cohort is the Research-Policy Fellowship programme, a new initiative in partnership with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). Four researchers will be placed within the Chief Scientific Office or their relevant policy teams working on priority projects in the department. 

All eight Fellows will have the unique opportunity to collaborate with OHID, City Hall, and MHCLG, gaining valuable insights into the workings of government departments and a regional governance bodies. These initiatives allow researchers to apply their academic knowledge and skills in a practical policy setting, fostering a deeper understanding of how these organisations operate and interact. 

Julie Billett, the Deputy Regional Director for OHID London, said:

“"OHID London is excited to continue our collaboration with UCL through the RiR scheme. The insights and perspectives gained from the past two cohorts have been invaluable in addressing some key population health challenges in London.” 

Richard Prager, MHCLG Chief Scientific Adviser said: 

““Bringing academics from a wide variety of disciplines into government can deliver rich benefits for everyone involved. The government departments get exposure to new ways of thinking and the specific application of knowledge and transferable skills. The knowledge exchange will create opportunities for civil servants and fellows to innovate and disrupt embedded ways of thinking. The academics learn how their expertise can be harnessed in a broader context and get to see their work applied to create new types of impact. I look forward to working with the fellows on the policy ambitions of this department, including the government missions, where their knowledge and experience will add real value.”

The Fellowships will run from January to July 2025, and are funded by Research England's QR Policy Support Fund (QR-PSF). 

About the programme:

The UCL Public Policy Fellowship Programme has been running for over a decade, facilitating secondments for over 100 academics into UK Government, Parliament, Local Authorities and think tanks.  The programme was expanded in 2022 with the launch of the Researchers in Residence scheme. The Programme has developed a suite of resources to support Fellows and Hosts, including practical guidance, infographics and an animated video that outlines the processes, mechanisms and impact of Policy Fellowships.

If you are interested in learning more about fellowship opportunities with UCL Public Policy contact, Alice Tofts. 

About UCL Public Policy: UCL Public Policy connects UCL’s world-class research with policymakers to inform and shape public policy. Through partnerships and engagement, UCL Public Policy enhances the impact of research on policy and practice.

About UCL Health of the Public: UCL Health for Public is dedicated to improving health and wellbeing for all through research, education, and policy engagement. By fostering collaborations across disciplines and sectors, UCL Health of the Public aims to address complex health challenges and promote health equity.

About OHID: The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities works to reduce health inequalities and improve the health of the population by supporting local and national efforts to address the wider determinants of health.

About City Hall: City Hall is the regional governance body for Greater London, responsible for strategic planning, economic development, and improving the quality of life for Londoners.

About MHCLG: MHCLG is central to the mission-driven government, from fixing the foundations of an affordable home to handing power back to communities and rebuilding local governments. MHCLG is at the heart of the government's agenda for change, aimed at growing the economy and improving people's lives right across the United Kingdom. They do this by empowering local communities, rebuilding local government, delivering the homes people need, ensuring building safety, enabling social cohesion and supporting local growth.