Launch of the Warwick Policy Institute: Connecting Research with Policy for Real World Change
9 November 2026
On 10 November 2026, the University of Warwick launches its new Policy InstituteLink opens in a new window, a pioneering university-wide initiative designed to strengthen and accelerate the University's engagement with policymakers, public services and civil society.
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Building on the success of Warwick's ESRC-funded Policy HubLink opens in a new window, the Institute will create a coordinated platform for academics across the university and policymakers at the local, national and international level to connect, learn from each other, and collaboratively work for change.
Why Policy Engagement?
Recent years have seen an increased interest Link opens in a new windowin policy engagement. In an age of political polarisation, misinformation and culture wars, research-informed policy is increasingly important. Universities have much to offer in this context. Indeed, they have a responsibility to contribute to society and help address the challenges of our time. When done well, strategic engagement between researchers and policymakers brings benefits to both academia and the policy sector. It allows researcher to connect their work with policy and make real world change through collaborating with policymakers, professionals, industry and civil society. Policy professionals can stay up to date with the latest research, get feedback on new ideas, or use existing research to help inform their work. Some of the most promising partnerships include collaborations between researchers and policy professionals that allow them to shape research questions and priorities together and co-create new evidence collectively. The development of these networks will create a context in which policymakers and researchers can work together to solve the societal challenges of today and tomorrow.
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Creating positive, real-world change through research is central to Warwick's mission. We believe this impact is strongest when knowledge is co-produced, bringing researchers together with policymakers, practitioners, communities and advocates to develop solutions that are both evidence-based and grounded in lived experience.
Public policy provides a critical route to achieving this impact, influencing how societies are governed, resources are distributed and futures are shaped. From strengthening health services and supporting economic growth to preserving cultural heritage, Warwick research helps inform better policy and better outcomes.
The Warwick Policy Institute will provide a hub for this collaborative work, fostering enduring relationships between researchers and policy partners, and enabling the co-production of innovative, evidence-informed responses to the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Professor Jon Coaffee, Deputy Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research) and Director (Interim) of the Warwick Policy Institute
Addressing Public Policy Challenges through Evidence, Collaboration and Innovation
The Warwick Policy Institute will connect researchers with policymakers, public services and civil society to turn research into policy impact. The Institute will build policy engagement capacity across the University, foster sustained partnerships, and create accessible routes to Warwick's expertise. It will help address local, national and international challenges through evidence, collaboration and innovation.
Picture credit: Linda Gerbec
Developing the Policy Engagement Capacity of Warwick Researchers
There will be two key components to the Institute’s work. The first will be focused on developing the policy engagement capacity of Warwick researchers, building on the work began by the ESRCLink opens in a new window IAALink opens in a new window-funded Warwick Policy Hub.Link opens in a new window This will be done through a suite of support, training, resources and events designed to upskill and build internal networks. The Institute will carry out this work at the institutional level. It will encourage cross-disciplinary synergies and provide a home for policy work across the University.
Picture credit: Markus Winkler
Linking Warwick Researchers with Policy Professionals
The second component will be a space for policymakers, and those working in policy-adjacent roles, with an interest in building relationships with University of Warwick researchers. This will include a cohort of Policy Institute Fellows. The Institute’s offerings include our new EvEx-funded Challenge FellowshipsLink opens in a new window. Challenge Fellowships are for researchers or policymakers looking to begin a new policy engagement relationship. Fellows from the policy world and hosts at Warwick apply independently and are then matched. Fellowships will be aligned with government missions to ensure we support direct pathways from research to policy impact. The Fellows will be the backbone of the Warwick Policy Institute. The Fellowship scheme will provide an opportunity to build a network of impactful policymakers and Warwick researchers focused on addressing the policy challenges of our time.
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Building Sustainable Pathways from Research to Policy Impact
Engagement between policy professionals and researchers is going to remain a key component of both academia and the policy sector in the years to come. In order to build sustainable pathways from research to policy impact, academics and policymakers need to have access to open spaces for engagement. They also need to be equipped with the knowledge, tools and resources to plan and deliver impactful research/policy collaborations. Set up to connect research and policy, the Warwick Policy Institute provides a hub to support academics and policy professionals as they address the key challenges of our time. Join us now to contribute to this critical work.
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Dr Helen Ackers
Research Impact Manager (Faculty of Social Sciences)
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Dr Jennifer Philippa Eggert
Policy Engagement Officer
Jennifer.P.Eggert@Warwick.ac.uk