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Open Innovation Team Policy Fellowship Programme

Shape government policy through academic mentoring.

The Open Innovation Team (OIT) is a cross-government unit that works with experts to generate analysis and ideas for policy - helping civil servants review evidence, engage specialists, develop policy and evaluate impact.

University of York works closely with the OIT to connect academic research with real-world policy challenges. One of the ways we do this is through the OIT Policy Fellowship Programme.

The programme pairs UK civil servants with academic mentors for a structured, six-month collaboration focused on a live policy question.

The OIT Policy Fellowship Programme gives academics the opportunity to mentor a UK civil servant, bringing research insight into real-time government decision-making.

Why take part?

“We’ve hosted three OIT fellows from two central government departments. They have enhanced our team’s understanding not only of the policy sectors they work in (education and migrant integration), but also of how government policymakers use research more broadly. For example, our project discussions have explored what forms of research are most likely to influence their work and that of their colleagues.”

Academic Host 2023/24, Administrative Fairness Lab, University of York

Academic mentors contribute intellectual challenge, methodological expertise and research insight to a defined policy question. In return, they gain:

  • Direct insight into how policy is developed and evidence is used
  • The opportunity to influence live government work
  • Stronger cross-government networks
  • Clear routes to demonstrating policy impact
  • A structured partnership with ongoing OIT support

Research alignment does not need to be exact. The programme works best with academics who are open-minded, analytically rigorous and interested in applying their expertise in new policy contexts.

How it works

  • Fellows apply with a live policy question
  • OIT identifies and matches an academic mentor
  • The collaboration runs for approximately six months
  • Academic mentors typically contribute 6-8 hours per month
  • OIT provides structured timelines and regular check-ins

The Fellowship complements OIT’s wider programmes, including PhD placements and commissioned policy projects, helping to build sustained relationships between academia and government.

For more information on the programme read these FAQs: FAQs for Policy Fellowship Programme (MS Word , 322kb)

Interested?

We are currently inviting Expressions of Interest from academics across the University of York. The deadline for EOI’s is Tuesday 12 May 2026.

For further information, please contact: katie.heffron@york.ac.uk.