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 since our last round-up (since 13 December 2024)

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 five weeks (since 6 December 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”.

Fellowship opportunity: lobbying and political ethics

Are you an expert on lobbying and political ethics?  

We are looking for a Parliamentary Academic Fellow to build understanding in Parliament around lobbying, propriety and ethics, drawing on the best available research evidence and expertise.

This fellowship will be hosted by the House of Commons Library’s Parliament and Constitution Centre. 

This is an exciting opportunity for a university-based researcher to work closely with Parliament, have new experiences and develop their skills and networks. Activities will include scoping Parliament’s information and evidence needs relating lobbying, propriety and ethics, developing briefing material, delivering a talk and providing ad hoc expert insights for MPs, and coordinating seminars for staff in this area.

You can apply for the role here. 

The deadline is 23:55, Sunday 25 February 2024. 

Apply for a fellowship in constitutional law

Are you an expert on Constitutional Law?  

We are looking for a Parliamentary Academic Fellow to build understanding in Parliament in constitutional law, drawing on the best available research evidence and expertise. 

This fellowship will be hosted by the House of Commons’ Parliament, Public Administration and Constitution Hub.   

This is an exciting opportunity for a university-based researcher to work closely with Parliament, have new experiences and develop their skills and networks. Activities will include scoping Parliament’s information and evidence needs relating to constitutional law, developing briefing material, providing ad hoc expert insights for MPs, coordinating seminars, and providing policy advice to select committees.  

You can apply for the role here. 

The deadline is 23:55, Sunday 25 February 2024. 

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. 

British Psychology Society: POST PhD fellowship

POST and the British Psychology Society (BPS) are offering a funded (£7,922.50) 13-week fellowship to PhD students in a psychology-related subject who are a Member of the British Psychological Society.

The successful applicant will be based in UK Parliament, supporting its use of research evidence. Please visit the BPS website to find out how to apply.

Applications close on Sunday 10 March 2024. 

Why should I engage? POST’s PhD fellowships offer a once in a lifetime opportunity to view the epicentre of policy-making from the inside. By the end of their time at POST, fellows learn how to write for policy with balance and impartiality. They also develop a unique understanding of Westminster and forge important relationships with key stakeholders, while often delving into a novel and exciting topic of research. Find out more about what a POST fellowship is like and the opportunities it can lead to.

More information: Find out more about POST fellowships. Watch an interview with a previous POST fellow to learn about her experience.

Call for expertise on ultra-processed foods

The House of Lords Select Committee on Food, Diet and Obesity is preparing for a new inquiry on the links between food, diet and health and would welcome hearing from researchers and experts on ultra-processed foods.

Researchers with expertise on ultra-processed foods (UPFs) from all careers stages, disciplines and types of research institution are encouraged to make themselves known to the Committee by completing this short form. This includes researchers collecting evidence on the impacts of UPFs either as part of live or previous trials, and researchers who have not previously engaged with Parliament.  

There may be opportunities for researchers to feed into the Committee’s work by: 

  • presenting in private to the Committee, 
  • publicly submitting written evidence or giving oral evidence, or 
  • by acting as a specialist adviser for the Committee. 

The form asks for the researcher’s contact information, a brief outline of expertise, a weblink to the researcher’s profile page where the committee secretariat can find more information about the researcher and their research, and, an optional weblink showcasing the researcher speaking publicly.   

Please would Knowledge Mobilisers who are sharing this opportunity with others consider how they can ensure diversity and inclusion when recommending people or passing the opportunity onto contacts. 

The deadline to respond to request is Wednesday 24 January 2024, at midnight.  

Complete this form to share your expertise on ultra-processed foods.  

Why should I engage? Making yourself known to committee staff can lead to opportunities to contribute your expertise and insights to Parliament. These may include being called to give oral evidence, contributing to a briefing, or participating in a roundtable or seminar.

More information: Find out more about why to engage with Parliament here. And find more on engagement for impact here. 

Contribute to a POSTnote on increasing resilience to wildfires

Contribute your research evidence and expertise to a POSTnote on increasing the resilience of landscapes and habitats to wildfires. Send a short email introducing yourself and the relevant aspects of your research to Sam Tasker at taskers@parliament.uk. To introduce yourself please: 

  • Briefly outline your area of expertise, relevant research, skills, experience and knowledge 
  • If you wish you may include a link to your up to date research/expert profile 
  • Mention if you have engaged with UK Parliament before 
  • Link to open access sources of relevant papers and blogs in the area related to the POSTnote topic 
  • If your research is unpublished note your two main findings (to date) and let us know if you’re happy to discuss your preliminary findings further.  

Please keep your email brief and no longer than a few paragraphs. Sam will contact you if they need any further information. 

Please note that POST receives a significant number of offers to contribute to our research – for which we are very grateful. However, due the volume of interest POST receives, we regret that we are not able to get in contact with all experts who express an interest in getting involved in our work.

Why should I engage? POSTnotes are used by Members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords and UK Parliament staff to navigate complex research. Contributing to a POSTnote is a good way of feeding your expertise into the UK Parliament as part of a trusted, impartial publication. All contributors are acknowledged online when the POSTnote is published. On publication, you and your organisation’s communications team will be notified to publicise the POSTnote and your contribution. Therefore your contribution can help raise your profile and promote your research.  

More information: Find out more about contributing to a POSTnote as an expert. For queries about POST or POSTnotes, contact POST.

Reminder: Thematic Research Leads and eligible organisations

Do you work at an organisation on UKRI’s list of eligible independent research organisations and catapult centres or eligible research institutes? Eligible researchers at these organisations can apply to be a Thematic Research Lead in Parliament.

In December, we launched 8 new Thematic Research Lead roles in partnership with UKRI. We are recruiting to eight positions from a broad range of scientific and research disciplines: 

Applications are still open and we would be grateful if you could share these opportunities with any researchers in your network who might be interested. We’re particularly keen to reach academics in Business, Economics and Trade, International Affairs and National Security, and Transport disciplines.

We are hosting an online information session on Wednesday 17 January, 13.00-14.30. The deadline to apply is Sunday 3 March.

Find out more about Thematic Research Leads and register for the information session. 

Why should I engage? Thematic Research Leads are prestigious and influential new roles, designed in partnership with UKRI to facilitate and enhance the use of research evidence and expertise in Parliament through effective knowledge exchange, collaboration and processes. Each TRL leads on a specific policy area. Find out more about why to engage with Parliament here.

More information:  Find more information about the Thematic Research Lead scheme here. And register for our information session for the 2024 application round here.

Have you been covered by parliamentary privilege?

Parliamentary privilege allows Members to perform their duties without interference from outside of the House (for example, from a legal challenge). Parliamentary privilege includes freedom of speech and the right of both Houses to regulate their own affairs. The Committee of Privileges investigates potential contempts and breaches of privilege, as well as considering wider matters relating to parliamentary privilege from time to time.

So what?

If a select committee accepts an evidence submission from you, it will be covered by privilege. That’s why you have to submit original work as evidence to a select committee – privilege can’t be applied to something you’ve already published elsewhere.

More information