What are OPEN Fellowships?
Oxford Policy Engagement Network (OPEN) Fellowships enable researchers and public policy professionals to work closely together on a sustained project that strengthens the contribution of academic evidence and expertise to policy communities. Fellowships are available for academic and research staff from the University of Oxford to work closely with, or in, an organisation in the policymaking community, and for policy professionals to work closely with, or embedded within, a University faculty.
Each year the University awards a handful of OPEN Fellowships of up to £20,000 to enable recipients to:
- Enable researchers and policymakers to share evidence and expertise and support its use in decision-making
- Improve researchers’ and policymakers’ understanding of how research can inform policymaking, and develop the skills to catalyse that process; and
- Broaden and deepen the networks of both partners.
Fellowships can last up to 8.5 months, starting no earlier than 14 November 2022. All project activity must be completed, and funding spent by 31 July 2023.
Who can apply?
Academics and researchers from any faculty at the University can apply. Those with college-only contracts must apply via a faculty. DPhil students can apply if they will have submitted their thesis and be awaiting examination at the point the project will commence.
The career stage of previous OPEN Fellows has ranged from DPhil students awaiting examination through to Associate Professors. Applications from those new to, or experienced in, policy engagement are equally welcome.
Potential partners include law-makers at devolved, national or supra-national level; civil service policy professionals and others who support law-makers; statutory bodies with responsibilities that are sectoral (e.g., regulators), regional (e.g. local councils) or subject-matter-related; international or intergovernmental organisations; or non-governmental organisations. All applications must include at least one non-academic policy partner organisation.
The Policy Engagement Team is available to offer guidance on applications and to discuss ideas for proposals.
The first point of contact for the Humanities Division is Jessie Simkiss, Humanities and Public Policy Officer (jessica.simkiss@humanities.ox.ac.uk).
Policy professionals who would like to undertake an OPEN Fellowship but who do not have a research partner, and researchers who would be interested in hosting an incoming Fellow, should get in touch with the relevant divisional contact in the Policy Engagement Team.
How to apply:
See the call page for full details and guidance.
Deadline: 12:00 10 October 2022
All applications are made using the Internal Research Award Management System (IRAMS). All applications must include at least one non-academic policy partner organisation. Applicants are encouraged to consult their departmental research support team to ensure they comply with any departmental eligibility criteria, approval processes, or guidelines.
Looking for ideas or inspiration?
Humanities disciplines can make significant contributions to policy development. Read about policy work in the humanities in our Humanities and Policy Engagement brochure, or watch this video about Oxford Classicist Dr Arlene Holmes-Henderson and her work with the UK Parliament and Department for Education. You can also explore stories from previous OPEN Fellows here.
About OPEN
The Oxford Policy Engagement Network (OPEN) is a growing network of researchers, professional services staff and DPhils students at the University of Oxford who share a vision of public policy powered by the world’s best available research evidence and expertise. OPEN is supported by the University’s Policy Engagement Team. You can find out more and join OPEN here.
