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 2 February 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 two weeks (since 24 January 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.

NHS leadership, performance and patient safety | Health and Social Care Committee | 8 March 2024

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”.

Unemployment and benefits experts needed! 

An MP’s office is seeking experts and information on the disproportionate rise in unemployment related benefit claims in London since the Covid-19 pandemic. Please complete this form to share your details if you have research or expertise in unemployment or factors impacting uptake of benefits.

We haven’t had a nibble on this call for expertise since launching it last week so please do get in touch via the form if you are interested in collaborating directly with an MP’s team to further their understanding on this topic. 

Please consider how you could ensure diversity and inclusion when recommending people or passing this opportunity to your contacts.

To share your details with the MP’s Office, or recommend an expert, please complete this form. The deadline is 23:00, Thursday 22 February.

Why should I engage? Sharing your research insights and expertise with Parliamentarians and their researchers can lead to a range of engagements. The Parliamentarian, or their team, may engage with you directly or ask you to provide a private briefing on this or a related topic. Other opportunities may include providing evidence to support parliamentary scrutiny, engaging with parliamentary library specialists, or participating in a roundtable or seminar.

More information: Find out more about why to engage with Parliament here. Read about how Parliament uses research here.

Insider info: the TRL role

We’ve had a lot to say recently about our brilliant opportunities for researchers to work in Parliament as a Thematic Research Lead (TRL). This week we’re launching our first of three stories showcasing what it’s like to be TRL. Hear from Dr Kristen Harkness on the projects she has led within Parliament and what she has gained personally from the role. Here are some snippets to whet your appetite:

One of the things I have enjoyed most about being a TRL is this remarkable opportunity, in the middle of my career, to broaden my horizons and indulge my intellectual curiosity.

I have learned so much about Parliament, its traditions and inner workings. I have dived into learning about issues and policy areas far outside my narrower academic research expertise…I have also benefited from training opportunities that have allowed me to build new skills, such as in programme evaluation and futures thinking. I also really appreciate the wonderful environment of team collaboration in Parliament.

I am currently thinking deeply about my future research agenda. An advantage of spending time in the policy world is that you become more keenly aware of what research is needed; of what are the burning questions to answer.

Read Dr Kristen Harkness’ account as TRL for International Affairs and National Security. 

Follow this link for more information or to apply for one of the eight new TRL roles. The deadline for applications is 3 March 2024. 

If you missed our TRL Information Session for prospective applicants you can watch it back (scroll to the bottom of the webpage to locate the video). The slides from the information session are also available for you to download.

Find answers to all your TRL questions and queries in our FAQ document.

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.

Reminder: British Psychological 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.

Yes, Minister

What is an MP and what exactly do they do? You may have instantly thought of towering stacks of those iconic red boxes, or the bumbling and bewildered portrayal of Sir Jim Hacker, MP. But Members of Parliament are officials elected by the UK public who represent their interests and concerns in the House of Commons. They assist their constituents in numerous ways, ranging from making private enquiries on their behalf to introducing matters to the House publicly. 

So what?

Parliament regularly draws on research and evidence to inform decisions, to scrutinise government policy, to debate the pressing issues of the day, and to pass laws – something we’re sure you’re fully aware of. But, did you know that MPs, and their teams, also welcome research that helps them address issues in their local area or answer queries from constituents? This means it is really helpful when researchers are able to segment their data by postcode or constituency to provide an accurate picture of the evidence at a local level. It’s a great feature to build into your next research plan to support your engagement with parliament. 

More information