Navigating the Policy-making Landscape
This page serves as a valuable resource for understanding and navigating the policy-making landscape in the UK. Here, you will find current and upcoming opportunities in the biofilm sector, useful resources such as guides on writing policy briefs, and information on the UK and Devolved Nations’ policy-making processes. Additionally,you can find on-demand access and free training provided by the Knowledge Exchange Unit of the UK Parliament ideal for any researcher interested in biofilm policy.
Current Opportunities
Call Open for Parliamentary Thematic Research Leads 2027 – 2029
UK Parliament are pleased to announce the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) will continue to collaborate with UKRI to place a third cohort of Thematic Research Leads in UK Parliament from April 2027 to March 2029. Thematic Research Leads are researchers embedded three days a week in Parliament, whilst retaining their substantive academic post for the remaining time. They are based in policy-relevant teams in Parliament and operate in a network facilitated by POST’s Knowledge Exchange Unit. The purpose of the Thematic Research Lead is to facilitate and enhance the use of research evidence and expertise in Parliament through effective knowledge exchange, collaboration and processes.
Apply by 9 August 2026.
UKRI Policy Internships 2026
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.
Apply by 8 September 2026.
Sector Transition: UKRI Policy Fellowships 2026
The programme offers 50 specific fellowship positions with a select group of host partners over an 18-month period. It is aimed at early- to mid-career academics who are interested in learning how to better connect academic research with policymaking, with opportunities including Core Policy Fellowships in areas such as advanced manufacturing and life sciences, and Natural Hazards and Resilience Policy Fellowships focused on topics such as health risks, including infectious diseases.
Apply by 10 September 2026.
UK Parliament Knowledge Exchange Unit, Free Online Training:
Get step-by-step guidance on structuring effective policy briefs with an executive summary, background, analysis, and recommendations to communicate research findings to policymakers clearly.
- Parliament for Researchers – how to engage with the UK Parliament
- Parliament for Researchers – how to work with select committees
- Parliament for Researchers – exploring select committee evidence
- Parliament for Researchers – how to write for a parliamentary audience
- Parliament for Researchers – how to engage with devolved legislatures
- Policy Engagement for Researchers – how to engage with Government, in contrast to Parliament
- Parliament for Early Career Researchers – how to engage with the UK Parliament
- Parliament for PhD students – how to engage with the UK Parliament
Writing a briefing or policy note:
Learn how to create effective briefings or policy notes with clear structure, concise content, and impactful recommendations to communicate your research effectively to policymakers.
UK-specific resources:
Access a variety of UK-specific resources, including guides, policy frameworks, and training materials tailored to the UK biofilm research landscape.
Scotland-specific resources
Explore Scotland-specific resources, including guides, policy documents, and training materials tailored to the biofilm research landscape in Scotland.
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- Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe)
- SPICe blog
- Academic Fellowship Scheme
- UKRI Policy Internship Scheme
- Scottish Policy & Research Exchange (SPRE)
- Scottish Parliament Calls for Views
- Scottish Government Consultations
- Academic Engagement and Lobbying Guidance
- How to get your research into the Scottish Parliament
- Scottish ARIs
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Training Webinar: How to engage with the Scottish Parliament as a researchers
Wales-specific resources
Access Wales-specific resources, including guides, policy documents, and training materials tailored to the biofilm research landscape in Wales.
Northern Ireland-specific resources
Find Northern Ireland-specific resources, including guides, policy documents, and training materials tailored to the biofilm research landscape in Northern Ireland.
Published POSTNotes that may be of interest:
Discover a selection of published POSTNotes that may be relevant to your biofilm research interests. These notes offer valuable insights and analyses on various policy issues.
Placement opportunities:
Explore various placement opportunities to enhance your experience and knowledge in biofilm research, providing hands-on learning and professional development.