Select committees currently accepting written evidence (compiled 10 September 2025)

New calls for evidence:

All other inquiries currently accepting written evidence:

*Please note that contributing to the Fan-Led Review of Music involves completing a survey rather than submitting 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 here. And find more on engagement for impact here. 

What should I expect? All evidence will be read and taken into consideration, but you may not receive a direct response from us or the Committee. To stay informed, we encourage you to follow the progress on the respective committee / inquiry webpages.

More information: all inquiries currently accepting evidence are found here  
Guidance on submitting evidence to Commons select committees
Guidance on submitting evidence to Lords select committees

Exclusive! Midlands Innovation Fellowship launching on Monday 15 September

This is so ‘hot-off-the-press’ it hasn’t even launched yet! You heard it here first! On Monday, POST will launch their Midlands Innovation Fellowship opportunity for PhD students. Two fellowship opportunities are available. 

The fellowships are an exciting opportunity to gain real-world experience of how research evidence is communicated to decision makers. The fellows will join POST or a select committee, the House of Commons Library, or the House of Lords Library for 13 weeks. Fellows joining POST may produce a POSTnote, which is a summary on an emerging science, technology or social science topic that is relevant and timely for Parliament. POSTnotes are widely used as briefing material by Parliamentarians. Fellows may also contribute to a longer report, assist a select committee with an inquiry, and/or carry out related activities on an area of public policy. 

Eligibility
The fellowships are open to PhD students at the University of Birmingham, University of Leicester, Loughborough University or University of Warwick who are undertaking (or have recently completed) PhD study in a topic related to biological sciences and health, and/or social sciences.

We’re bringing this news to our round up subscribers ahead of time so you’re ready to access all the fellowship details on Monday 15 September from this webpage: https://post.parliament.uk/midlands-innovation-fellowship/

If this has piqued your interest, or if you’re undecided if it’s for you, do join our information webinar to hear all about the fellowship opportunity, including a short Q&A section, on Thursday 2 October at 14:30. Register for the information webinar now. 

You can also read this blog by Chris, a previous Midlands Innovation Fellow, about their time in Parliament. 

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. 

What should I expect? All applications will be read and taken into consideration, but please note you may not receive a direct response from us. If you do not hear anything further, then please assume your application has not been successful on this occasion.  

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

Environment: pitch to the committee!

The House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) is calling for suggestions of topics within the areas of climate change, the environment and nature that they should run an inquiry on.  

The ‘Environment in focus’ inquiry invites researchers, experts and members of the public to submit proposals on what the Committee should investigate next and why.

The committee will review all suggestions received, select up to ten proposals and invite the individuals to pitch their idea to the MPs on the committee in a public session. The committee will choose one proposal to form the basis of a new full select committee inquiry. The committee welcomes ideas and suggestions for their inquiry from anyone with an interest in the environment and climate change.

More about the environmental audit committee:
So far in this Parliament, the committee has published reports on the role of natural capital, the UK and the Antarctic and governing the marine environment. They are currently running inquiries into environmental sustainability and housing growth, flood resilience in England, airport expansion and Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). 

Previously, in February 2023, the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) conducted a similar call where individuals could pitch their suggestions for inquiry topics for the committee to address. It led to an inquiry into heat resilience and sustainable cooling and the subsequent report was published in January 2024. 

To pitch your suggestion please submit a proposal of no more than 250 words for an inquiry to be carried out by the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee. The pitch should set out what the inquiry should focus on, why it matters and what action is needed from the government to address the issues identified in the proposal. Please note, that the committee does not look at specific local issues, only matters that have wider relevance. 

Submit your pitch directly to the committee’s inquiry page by Friday 10 October. The committee will only contact the shortlisted individuals whose proposals have been selected for oral pitches. 

Deadline for proposals: Friday 10 October 2025.

Why should I engage? Select committees check and report on areas ranging from the work of government departments and public bodies to topical issues in their policy area through inquiries on specific topics.

The outcomes of these inquiries are public, and many make recommendations to the government which require an official response. Bringing a key issue to the Committee’s attention could lead to an inquiry into the work of government in this area.

An inquiry based on the topic you suggested has great potential to enhance your research impact. It showcases your expertise and involvement, bringing matters to the attention of parliamentarians who can hold government to account on the matter. The committee may also produce a report on the matter and the government is required to respond to the select committee’s report.

What should I expect? All submissions will be read and taken into consideration but you will only hear back from the committee if your proposal has been shortlisted. The committee wishes to thank all researchers and interested parties that submit suggestions in advance and hopes you will consider engaging with this call.  

More information: Learn more about the Environmental Audit Committee’s work on their website. Read about the Environment in Focus inquiry call for evidence.  

Resources: 

Reminder: share your research insights for inclusion in a POSTnote

Over the summer, the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) announced their current set of briefings which will inform parliamentarians’ future research needs. If you are a researcher or expert in any of the below topics and would like to share your research or expertise, please reach out to POST. POST welcomes hearing from researchers from all disciplines so don’t be put off contributing if you don’t feel you fall within the ‘science’ or ‘social science’ disciplines.  

To reach out, you simply need to share your personal details and a brief summary of your expertise and key issues relevant to the briefing topic via the links below. There is no need to highly polish the wording when you share your research insights. POST rewords all submissions to fit seamlessly within the published briefing. All submissions that are included in the published briefing will be credited in the publication (which will be available online with open access on POST’s website).

Briefings accepting contributions: 

The effects of artificial intelligence on UK employment – developments in areas such as large language models are driving the adoption of AI. How is this likely to influence the types of jobs available in the future?  Respond by: 23:55 on the 14 September 2025 

Data centres and their sustainability – data centres are critical infrastructure for digital activity in the UK. What drives their growth, and what are the environmental challenges? Respond by: 23:55 on the 14 September 2025 

Access to justice: legal aid and services – how can legal aid services better address the needs of vulnerable populations? In what ways can legal aid and related services enhance systemic efficiency in the justice sector? Respond by: 23:55 on the 28 September 2025

Improving outcomes and support for looked after children and their families – what interventions have the most significant impact on improving outcomes for looked-after children? How can we better support vulnerable children to achieve improved outcome. Respond by: 23:55 on the 28 September 2025 

Technology alternatives to animals in life sciences research – what are the latest developments in technologies to replace, reduce and refine the use of animals in life sciences research?  Respond by: 23:55 on the 28 September 2025 

Diagnosis and treatment of rare genetic diseases – what are the challenges associated with the diagnosis of rare genetic diseases, and with the coordination of and access to treatment and care?  Respond by: 23:55 on the 3 October 2025 

Surrogacy: current practice and proposed reforms – what reforms have been proposed to surrogacy law, and what are the ethical, social and medical considerations? Respond by: 23:55 on the 5 October 2025 

To access the full detail of the scope on each of the above briefings follow the links on POST’s future research webpage.

If you have questions or need further support contact: POST@parliament.uk.

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 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. 

What should I expect? AAll submissions will be read and taken into consideration, but you may not receive a direct response. To stay informed about POST’s work we encourage you to subscribe to receive notifications of publications and new research briefings. 

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

Wanted: Connector of brains, bridges and brilliant ideas (reminder)

We hope you already know that we’re seeking someone to join us as Knowledge Exchange Manager. If you missed our previous shout out, read on…

The Knowledge Exchange Unit (KEU) is on the lookout for a new (fixed term) team member to help us supercharge connections between UK Parliament and the research community. If you’re passionate about turning brilliant ideas into real-world impact, love working with people, and enjoy variety in your day-to-day, this could be your next adventure!

As Knowledge Exchange Manager, you’ll lead and contribute to a variety of exciting projects, from coordinating academic placements and supporting parliamentary stakeholders to access research expertise, to creating new knowledge exchange resources and initiatives. You’ll work with stakeholders across Parliament and the research sector, including academics, funders, parliamentary staff and Parliamentarians. No two days are the same, and you’ll be part of a small, friendly team that loves what it does.

Working arrangementsThis is a 9 month fixed term role, with the possibility of extension/permanency. This role is offered on a hybrid working basis, with an expectation of you spending 40% of your time in the office. We welcome applications from candidates looking for secondment opportunities.

We offer a range of flexible working options and actively encourage applications from candidates expressing a wish to perform the role in a flexible working arrangement such as part-time working, job-share and compressed hours. 

You can find out more about the role, including information on how to apply, on our recruitment portal. The deadline for applications is 21 September 2025, 23:55. Interviews are expected to take place on Wednesday 1 October, in person, in Westminster.  

Why should I apply? This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of Parliament (in what we think is the best team in Parliament!). We are the team that bridges research and Parliament, and we usually do it with a smile and a healthy dose of gifs… though non-gif lovers are also equally welcome in the team! 

More information: Find out more about the role and submit an application on our recruitment portal by 21 September 2025, 23:55. 

Fringe Power: Turning Research into Action

September is an unusual time in Parliament. We have two frenetic business weeks with lots of exciting content and opportunities and then many parliamentarians head off to their respective party conferences. It may seem odd to suspend business so soon after the summer recess but it’s the one annual event for all party members – whether backbenchers or the Prime Minister – to gather together in one place.

Party membership has assembled in this way for nearly two centuries. The first ‘conference’ that foreshadowed today’s modern party organisation is believed to have been the 1867 meeting of the National Union of Conservative and Unionist Associations, held following Disraeli’s expansion of the vote. Conference is an important part of the democratic calendar, with the requirement to hold a conference a mandatory requirement of some parties’ rules.

The parties run the policy making elements of their conferences differently. Some use conference and voting to determine their strategy and policy direction, while others focus through fierce debate and provide opportunities for their members to collaborate on the policy topics they’re most passionate about. A popular feature of modern party conferences are the fringe events, and these are ways that researchers are often involved to showcase an influential body of research or provide an expert voice.   

So what?
Fringe events are held alongside the main conference agenda and are not part of the official proceedings. They’re often organised by interested groups such as charities, think tanks, universities or research organisations, businesses, or the media. They consist of panel discussions, debates, networking receptions, and policy briefings, and they involve members of parliament, including ministers, and experts. Researchers often use the platform to share insights and raise the profile of their work, especially if they wish to influence policy.

If speaking at a fringe event is on your list for future engagement, here are some tips:

  1. Choose a topic that is timely or of national interest to attract attendees and the media.
  2. Partner with policy-focussed organisations. You likely already have connections to charities, think tanks or professional bodies. These groups often look for a range of expert speakers to provide the evidence-based perspective at their events.
  3. Holding your own event can be costly. Some researchers fund their events through the aspect of their research grant that is allocated for policy engagement. You can also partner with other organisations to share the cost.
  4. Arranging an event is time consuming. Start planning early and involve professionals within your organisation to share the load. Public affairs or media/comms/news teams along with any policy focussed staff will all have helpful insights.
  5. Talk to your colleagues. It’s likely someone you know will have spoken as an expert at a fringe event previously and can share how they got involved. Keep an eye on this year’s conference schedules, spot who is speaking in your research area and reach out to them to hear about their experience too.
  6. Tailor your messaging to bring the real world implications of your research to the forefront and convey the impact on policy. Make it easy and understandable for your audience. Don’t just present academic findings without interpretation.
  7. Follow up with the contacts you make on the day to maximise impact and future collaboration.

More information:

With thanks to our parliamentary colleagues Graeme Cowie and David Torrance, who the KEU like to think of as the parliamentary constitutional fonts of all knowledge. They helped with the historical basis of this fact.