As part of a broader knowledge exchange fellowship scheme, we have launched PolicyBristol Fellowships. The aim of these Fellowships is to explore, develop, or formalise partnerships between researchers and policymakers and to support research knowledge exchange and policy impact.

The scheme provides an opportunity for staff in the Civil Service, think tanks, NGOs, private and third sector organisations to collaborate on projects of mutual interest with access to University of Bristol services. We also support the academic to be hosted by the partner organisation if more appropriate.

Fellowship aims could include enabling co-produced research or toolkits; supporting capacity building; supporting the development of new processes or procedures; CPD; enhancing public awareness or influencing public policy.

In all cases there must be a strong element of policy relevance.

If you would like to be involved or have an idea for a Fellowship please contact PolicyBristol or for Bristol academics see the Fellowships application process. We welcome expressions of interest from potential external partners.

What is ‘mission led business’ and what are the implications of the Government’s interest in it?

The Government has launched an initiative to raise the profile, and investigate the operability, of ‘mission-led’ businesses, defined as businesses that distribute profit but are committed to a wider social purpose. While the government’s intention to promote ‘social’ business and ‘responsible’ capitalism has been welcomed, the initiative itself has provoked some anxiety, especially amongst existing players in the social economy. Through this fellowship the University of Bristol, together with leading social enterprise law firm Bates Wells Braithwaite LLP (BWB), is exploring policy questions raised in this initiative. The aim of the project is to produce an evidence-based, balanced and relevant assessment of the legal and policy implications of the Review and the responses to it.

Developing policy in women’s rights and gender equality

This fellowship is focused upon developing gender equality policy research within UK party politics. Working with the Women's Equality Party - a new political party – there will also be engagement with other political parties, the wider political agenda, and local stakeholders. Academic experts from a range of disciplines will contribute to policy development on themes including: health equality in the UK; women's rights and equality in a Post-Brexit UK; Ending Violence Against Women in a context of austerity and a devolved UK; and building up and sustaining a diverse politics.  A symposium will be held in May at which presentations by academics will be made to invitees, including representatives from a range of political parties, community organisations and service providers.

Supporting the development of ODI’s urbanisation strategy

Through this fellowship Dr Sean Fox will be working with the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) to support the further development of a cross-institute strategy and research programme around the theme of urbanisation in low and middle-income countries. The research programme will build on ODI’s existing thematic strengths, bringing together and enhancing current pieces of work. More broadly, this will strengthen ties between two institutions with strong and long-standing research interests in global development challenges.

The legal process of withdrawing from the EU

This fellowship is focused on a collaboration between the University of Bristol and the House of Commons Service relating to the legal process of withdrawing from the EU.  Professor Phil Syrpis will offer his expertise in EU Law and contribute to the work of the House of Commons Library and relevant Select Committees. This will involve assisting with the production of briefings and conducting targeted research. Jack Simson Caird will engage with academics at the University of Bristol to inform the development of the HoC Library Briefing papers, and deliver sessions to academics on the role of the House of Commons Library and how to engage effectively with the parliamentary process.

EU Transport Policy and ‘Social Dumping’ in the Single Market

The aim of this Fellowship is to improve working and living conditions for transport workers in the EU by contributing to the current review of EU Regulations in several transport sectors (most notably road, civil aviation and maritime), drawing on the Fellow's research on market competition and social conditions in the European Single Market. Research findings and proposals will be disseminated to inform the policy of the European Transport Workers Federation (ETF) and the policy discussions of the Commission (DG Move and DG Employment), European Parliament and other policy forums. In addition to influencing the current revision of EU transport Regulations, this Fellowship will strengthen the evidence-based representative capacity and competencies of national transport unions and the ETF.