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UKRI policy internships 2026

UK Research and Innovation

An opportunity for UKRI-funded doctoral students to undertake a three-month internship at one of a selected group of influential policy organisations, as part of the existing doctoral studentship.

This opportunity is only open to existing doctoral students funded by the research councils of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) (AHRC, BBSRC, ESRC, EPSRC, MRC, NERC and STFC).

The funding details will depend on the student’s research council, and which host partner is chosen. Some research councils provide additional funding to cover internships costs while students of other research councils should access funds from their existing training grant.

AI Based Application Success Predictor

1. Alignment with the specific funding opportunity (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

This is the most important predictor.

Competitive proposals closely match:

The objectives of the funding opportunity
Council-specific priorities (e.g., MRC, EPSRC, ESRC)
Eligibility requirements
Scope and remit
Assessment criteria

A scientifically excellent proposal that does not fit the published scope is unlikely to be funded.

2. Research excellence and importance (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

UKRI evaluates whether the research:

Addresses an important problem
Advances knowledge significantly
Is intellectually ambitious
Has the potential to influence the field

Reviewers assess the originality, significance, and quality of the proposed research.

3. Innovation and originality (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Competitive proposals typically demonstrate:

Novel concepts
Innovative methodologies
Creative approaches
Transformative ideas
High scientific ambition

UKRI supports both curiosity-driven discovery research and innovative applied research, depending on the funding opportunity.

4. Strong methodology and feasibility (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Applications should provide:

Well-defined objectives
Robust study design
Appropriate analytical methods
Risk management strategies
Realistic timelines
Clearly justified resources

Reviewers expect a convincing plan for delivering the proposed work.

5. Applicant and team capability (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

UKRI's assessment framework places strong emphasis on the ability of the applicant and team to deliver the project.

Competitive teams demonstrate:

Relevant expertise
Strong publication record
Leadership experience
Complementary skills
Appropriate collaborations

For early-career schemes, reviewers evaluate potential rather than only past achievements.

6. Positive research environment and institutional support (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Reviewers consider whether the research environment provides:

Appropriate infrastructure
Institutional commitment
Access to facilities
Mentoring (where applicable)
Technical support
Collaborative opportunities

The host organization should clearly demonstrate its ability to support successful project delivery.

7. Potential impact and pathways to impact (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Although UKRI has moved away from the separate "Pathways to Impact" document, proposals are still expected to explain how the research could generate benefits.

Competitive applications describe potential impacts such as:

Improvements to health
Economic growth
Environmental sustainability
Public policy
Industry innovation
Societal benefit
Cultural impact

The expected impact should be appropriate to the research stage and funding opportunity.

8. Interdisciplinary collaboration and partnerships (High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)

UKRI increasingly encourages interdisciplinary research.

Competitive projects often involve:

Multiple research disciplines
Industry partners
NHS organizations
Government agencies
International collaborators
Public and third-sector organizations

Cross-sector collaboration is especially important for large strategic and challenge-led programs.

9. Responsible research and innovation (RRI), equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and open research (High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)

UKRI expects applicants to consider:

Responsible research and innovation
Equality, diversity, and inclusion
Ethical issues
Environmental sustainability
Open research practices
Data sharing and management

These considerations strengthen the overall quality and credibility of the proposal.

10. Realistic resources and value for money (High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)

Reviewers assess whether:

The requested budget is appropriate
Resources are well justified
Staffing is realistic
Equipment requests are necessary
The project offers good value for public funding

Strong justification of resources is an important component of UKRI review.

Specialties

Health Policy & Ethics

Eligibility Requirements

This opportunity is open to organisations with standard eligibility. Check if your organisation is eligible.

This opportunity enables existing UKRI-funded doctoral students to apply for a three-month internship with one of 16 host partners. Details of each host partner and the associated internships offered can be found in the ‘What we are looking for’ section of this guidance and the associated ‘Host Partner Information’ document (PDF, 400KB).

You can apply to only one host partner but are invited to note a second choice within the UKRI Funding Service application. You may be contacted by your second-choice host partner should additional opportunities become available.

Who is eligible to apply

This scheme is only open to doctoral students funded by the research councils of UKRI (AHRC, BBSRC, ESRC, EPSRC, MRC, NERC and STFC). Students funded through UKRI Centres for Doctoral Training in Artificial Intelligence may also apply and should follow the eligibility criteria and funding details for EPSRC grants. You should contact the training grant administrator at your research organisation (university or institute) with any queries relating to your funding status.

Most host partners accept applications from students funded by all research councils. Some host partners only accept applications from students funded by certain research councils; where this is the case, this is stated within the ‘Host Partner Information’ document (PDF, 400KB).

Students funded by STFC are eligible to apply to the Parliamentary Office of Science & Technology (POST) and the Government Office for Science only.

Where a host partner stipulates that internships are for students with particular research interests, you should consider how you can best evidence how your interests, research and experience are aligned with the internship.

Internships last for three months and are expected to take place within the 2027 calendar year, with the earliest starting in January 2027. The timing of the internship should be agreed with the host partner, the student’s supervisor and the student’s research organisation once the application outcome has been communicated.

All internships must start before the end of a student’s funded period of study, as well as fulfilling any research council-specific criteria. Successful applicants are not permitted to delay the start date of their policy internship so that it begins following the end of their doctoral funded period.

Applications from part-time registered students are welcomed. If successful, part-time students who are eligible for studentship extensions (see ‘Funding available’ in the ‘What we are looking for’ section of this guidance) will have these applied on a part-time basis.

Students who are studying on a student visa must check the stipulations of their visa for their eligibility to undertake a studentship placement, particularly where this requires a change in study location, an extension to the studentship period or both. UKRI consider policy internship placements to be integral to the studentship; however, international students must contact the relevant staff at their research organisation for confirmation.

Students must meet any security, and nationality checks as required by the host partner, including but not limited to: security checks, background checks, requirements for security clearance and declaration of interest.

See the ‘Host Partner Information’ document (PDF, 400KB) for details.

All host partners are strictly non-partisan. You will be required to abstain from any party political or lobbying activity and to uphold the principles of parliamentary and public service.

Who is not eligible to apply

Those ineligible to apply are:

students who are not funded at least 50% by a UKRI doctoral studentship. If you are unsure regarding the source of your funding, contact your research organisation
students who are not currently undertaking doctoral-level study in the UK
undergraduate or masters level students
applicants who have previously undertaken or are currently undertaking a UKRI policy internship

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We are committed to achieving equality of opportunity for all applicants. We encourage applications from a diverse range of researchers.

We support people to work in a way that suits their personal circumstances. This includes:

career breaks
support for people with caring responsibilities
flexible working
alternative working patterns

UKRI can offer disability and accessibility support for UKRI applicants and grant holders during the application and assessment process.

Eligible Countries:

United Kingdom

Sponsor Details

Sponsor Institute/Organizations: UK Research and Innovation

Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit

Address: Polaris House, North Star Avenue, Swindon SN2 1FL

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