The Knowledge Exchange Unit supports the exchange of information between UK Researchers and Parliament. They prepare a list of opportunities for researchers each week, which we will be disseminating in part through this blog.

If you are engaging in any of these opportunities, please email Glenn Harris or Suzi Edwards

These opportunities have been compiled by UK Parliament’s Knowledge Exchange Unit (KEU).

Take a look at the KEU’s webhub of information and resources for researchers. 

These opportunities and resources have been sent to members of the KEU’s informal network for knowledge mobilisers, for circulation to the research community (find out more about the network).

Select committee inquiries launched in the last two weeks (since 10 February 2022)

Please click the title of any inquiry listed below to be taken to a summary of that inquiry and the full call for evidence.

Remember that you don’t have to answer every question posed in each call for evidence. And you can also explore all select committee inquiries currently open for submissions of written evidence. 

Select committee inquiries launched since 03 February 2022

Please click the title of any inquiry listed below to be taken to a summary of that inquiry and the full call for evidence.

Why should I engage? Submitting evidence to a select committee can lead to further engagement, such as an invitation to give oral evidence. Your submission will be published on the Committee webpage. Your insights may inform the Committee’s conclusions or recommendations it makes to the Government. Find out more about why to engage with Parliament. You can also read more on engagement for impact.

More information: Explore all select committee inquiries currently open for submissions of written evidence. 

Support resources: Find guidance on submitting evidence to select committees on the KEU’s ‘how to guides’ page. Watch our 30 minute online training session “How to work with select committees”.

House of Lords Science and Technology Committee inquiry on Delivering a UK science and technology strategy

As you may have seen from the list of select committee inquiries currently open to written evidence above, the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee has opened an inquiry on Delivering a UK science and technology strategy.

The inquiry will look at the Government’s plans to deliver a UK science and technology strategy. The inquiry will consider what such a strategy should look like and how the UK’s research and innovation system can deliver it.

Interested researchers/ experts can take a look at the Call for Evidence and submit written evidence to the inquiry. The deadline to do so is 25 March 2022.

Directed Call of the Parliamentary Academic Fellowship Scheme – recording of information session now available

As you may know, the Directed Call of the Parliamentary Academic Fellowship Scheme is now open for applications. The Scheme gives university-based researchers and staff working in knowledge exchange the opportunity to participate in a fellowship project with an office in UK Parliament. There are 13 fellowship projects open to applications. Each fellowship project in the Directed Call has been proposed by a team at Parliament as a project on which academic input is needed.

There is lots more information about the Directed Call on our Parliamentary Academic Fellowships webpage, including a link to our Guidance Note for applicants, and a list of all fellowship projects open to applications. We’d be delighted if you would consider applying for any relevant project, and please do feel free to share details of the Directed Call with your networks.

The deadline for applications is 23.55 on Sunday 13 March 2022. 

Each Fellowship details its proposed location, timeline and working arrangements. We encourage flexible working, and applicants can discuss this with host teams at interview stage.

We welcome applications from everyone regardless of their ethnicity, race, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age, marital status or whether or not they have a disability.

The Knowledge Exchange Unit held an online information session about the Call on Wednesday 9 February 2022, which is now available to watch as a recording on YouTube. The session gives an overview of the scheme and the application process, and tips on drafting an application, as well as sharing experiences of people who have participated in the scheme before. 

We also encourage applicants to contact the policy or impact team at their university, who may be able to support applicants or offer advice in shaping applications.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us on keu@parliament.uk.

Why should I engage? Fellowships offer the opportunity to work closely with a team in Parliament, supporting and informing its work, building capacity or helping evolve processes, or delivering a unique project. Find out more about why to engage with Parliament here. And find more on engagement for impact here.   

More information: Find out more information about the Parliamentary Academic Fellowship Scheme here. And find information about the outcomes and impacts arising from previous fellowships here.

A Parliament fact at the end of February

Did you know that Parliamentlive.tv carries live and archive coverage of all UK Parliament proceedings taking place in public, including debates and committee meetings of both Houses?

You can watch proceedings from the Commons, the Lords and from committees.

So what? Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff are generally interested in research that is relevant to current issues on the parliamentary agenda. Watching the proceedings in the two chambers, and those of select committees, is a great way to find out what Parliament is currently interested in, as well as what it has previously focused on.

You can consult the calendar of scheduled business to help work out what future business you might like to watch, where this is taking place in public.

You can also watch Prime Minister’s Question Time, which gives MPs the chance to question the Prime Minister. This takes place at midday every Wednesday when the Commons is sitting.

More information