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).

Jump to:

Select committee inquiries launched in the last week (since 22 March 2023)

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 in the last two weeks (since 15 March 2023)

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.

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”.

Calling all Academic Librarians!

On behalf of our colleagues in the House of Commons Library, we’re pleased to invite you to join the annual Academic Librarians Parliamentary Network conference (online) on Thursday 4 May 2023. There will be an exciting programme of talks over two sessions:

  • Knowledge sharing session on collaboration for innovation with presenters from the academic sector and the House of Commons Library (10:00-12:00).
  • An afternoon open event showcasing the work of the House of Commons Library, lightning talks, and a virtual tour (14:00-16:00).

Register for the Parliamentary Academic Librarians Network conference.

Why should I engage? The parliamentary network for academic librarians highlights key opportunities and information on engaging with the library. It shares good practice and provides invitations to participate in events and other opportunities. It’s a great way for you to build your knowledge and networks so that you can support researchers in your institution to engage with the House of Commons Library.

More information: sign up to the Parliamentary Academic Librarians Network and follow the House of Commons Library on Twitter.

It’s about people making choices; yeas or nays

What were you doing on Tuesday this week? If you’re a fan of the band Pink Floyd, you may have been celebrating the 29th anniversary of the release of their fourteenth studio album “The Division Bell”. Why are we talking about this? Because the title of this album takes its name from the bell that rings across the Parliamentary Estate to alert Members of Parliament to the fact that a vote is taking place.

Votes are also known as ‘divisions’ because, when there is a vote, Members divide physically into two separate areas: the ‘Aye’ and ‘No’ lobbies in the Commons, and the ‘Contents’ and ‘Not Contents’ lobbies in the Lords – hence the name the ‘division bell’.

So what?

In an interview with Boston Globe, the Pink Floyd drummer, Nick Mason, said that their album was named after Parliament’s division bell because “it [was] about people making choices, yeas or nays”. And the same is true for Parliament and Parliamentarians. Members of Parliament are required to make decisions, vote and share their opinion all the time. Lots of factors and sources inform the opinions they hold and the decisions they take. These sources may include the academic research evidence around a matter. So, make sure your research plays a contributing role by: submitting evidence to a committee, writing to your local MP, informing the development of an evidence briefing, speaking to an All-Party Parliamentary Group, or a number of other activities.

More information

Find out more information on parliamentary divisions here.
Find our research impact web hub here, with lots of information on the different ways to engage with Parliament.
Listen to Pink Floyd’s Division Bell on any number of different websites, streaming services, CD or vinyl (we’ll let you choose which!).