Policy Associate scheme
The Royal Society's Policy Associate scheme offers Research Fellows hands-on secondments in government to apply their science expertise to real policy work.
Funder: Royal Society
Due Dates (Anticipated): July 2027 (Full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Salary covered for up to 3 months (full-time or part-time equivalent); up to £3,000 for travel and subsistence expenses.
Summary: Enables Royal Society Research Fellows to undertake tailored secondments in government or public bodies to gain hands-on experience in science policy.
Key Information: Only Royal Society-funded University Research Fellows, Dorothy Hodgkin Fellows, and Career Development Fellows are eligible.
Description
The Royal Society's Policy Associate scheme provides an opportunity for Royal Society-funded Research Fellows to immerse themselves in a science policy environment through a secondment. Participants work within central government departments, devolved administrations, arm’s-length bodies, or other public organisations, contributing to live policy issues, supporting evidence reviews, and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders. The scheme is designed to foster a deeper understanding of how research informs decision-making in government, expand professional networks, and develop new perspectives on research impact. Each secondment is tailored to the associate’s expertise and aspirations.
