These opportunities and resources have been compiled by UK Parliament’s Knowledge Exchange Unit (KEU) to help you understand how to engage with Parliament as a researcher.

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

Jump to:

Select committees currently accepting written evidence (compiled 21 January 2026)

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.

New calls for evidence

All other inquiries currently accepting written evidence:

Why should I engage? 
Submitting evidence to a select committee can lead to further engagement, such as an invite 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 

Support resources: find guidance on submitting evidence to select committees on the KEU’s ‘how to guides’ page  

Reminder: POSTnotes: Share your research

We have one POSTnote open for research contributions—share your work for consideration on the below topic:

Research and development for UK Defence: The UK’s defence innovation system is undergoing significant change. This POSTnote will consider how defence research in the UK is structured and coordinated, what the barriers to innovation are and how they can be addressed.

All contributions must follow POST’s guidance.

If you’re new to POSTnotes or haven’t contributed your research before read on for some general information explaining POSTnotes and what you can expect. 

POSTnotes: explainer

POST collaborates with stakeholders and researchers from industry, government, academia and specialist research institutions, the third sector and beyond, to help identify important themes and source critical literature to produce POSTnotes. Researchers also help peer-review the final reports. POST releases information about the new POSTnotes and briefings it is working on 3-4 times per year and calls for researchers with expertise in the topics identified to share their research and knowledge to contribute to the new POSTnotes. They welcome hearing from researchers working within all disciplines.

What are POSTnotes?
POSTnotes are comprehensive, trusted, and impartial briefings on new and emerging research areas from across science and the social sciences. They inform parliamentary debate, support decision-making, and help parliamentarians scrutinise government policy.

Why should I get in involved?
Sharing your expertise to contribute to POST’s work can be a time-efficient way to get your research in front of parliamentarians. To tell us about your work please share your personal details, a brief summary of your expertise and key issues relevant to the briefing topic through the links listed below.

What happens when I share my research insights?
POST carefully reviews and considers the information you provide. It draws on the research that fits best with the briefing and references this research in the publication. POST sometimes also contacts contributors to obtain further information. It is not possible to discuss individual contributions, not all submissions will be used, nor all researchers contacted. Rest assured POST will reach out to you should they need further information. There is also no need to highly polish the wording when you share your research insights through the form. POST rewords all submissions to fit seamlessly within the published briefing.

All submissions used will be credited in the publication which will be available online with open access on POST’s website: https://post.parliament.uk/. 

For guidance or to find out more about how POST acknowledges contributions browse the webpage: contributing to POST research as an expert

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?
All 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.

Seats with a Scoop

Making headlines, creating impact 

Since 1803, when reporters were first allocated seats in the Commons Chamber, the media has played a vital role in connecting parliamentary debate with the public. In 1852 an official reporters’ gallery opened, formally cementing the media’s place in the parliamentary ecosystem.  

So what? 

Today the media still plays a role in catching parliament’s attention. Journalists and media outlets decide which issues receive coverage, often spotlighting matters of national interest, and may prompt parliamentary scrutiny. Media coverage can also shape public perception, and parliamentarians – mindful of public opinion and their electoral accountability – take notice. The media also amplifies voices and topics that might otherwise fly under the political radar. 

For researchers, media attention can be a powerful ally. With parliamentarians and parliamentary staff pulled in many directions, even those interested in your field may miss your work. But when your research is featured in the media – especially around topical issues – it can raise awareness and increase the chances of catching parliament’s eye. 

Why engage?  

The media tracks daily business in the chamber and shares key moments with the public. If your research topic is being debated, it’s a golden opportunity to step in and amplify your voice. Public interest and political attention often converge in these moments – be ready to act. 

Quick wins 

Here are some practical ways to leverage media to attract parliamentary interest:  

  • Offer expert commentary: Reach out to journalists covering your topic. Provide context, fact-checks, or expert insight as the story unfolds. 
  • Write op-eds or blogs: Short, accessible pieces help position you as a trusted voice and many parliamentarians’ love a blog. You can also refresh and repurpose your existing content for a quick win. 
  • Be contactable: Attracting attention is the beginning. The follow up is where you’ll create most impact. Make sure your contact details are easy to find. If you prefer not to share your contact information you can direct media or policy contacts to your institution’s press or public affairs team. And, when someone reaches out, respond promptly! 

Use what’s on your doorstep – leverage any institutional channels.

You don’t have to do it all yourself. Tap into the institutional support around you: 

  • University PR team: Let your communications team know you’re working on a relevant topic. They can pitch you as an expert and handle the logistics. 
  • Social media: Use institutional accounts to publicise your work, benefiting from the credibility and visibility of the research institution endorsing your expertise. Share parliamentary clips, news articles, and your own commentary using relevant #hashtags and @handles. Target your social media channels to fit the audience you wish to reach. Parliament’s use of Bluesky is currently limited, with LinkedIn, Twitter/X and YouTube used more frequently. 
  • Relevance: Frame your work within the current issue – even if your findings are still emerging. Parliament is interested in ongoing research, not just finished projects. Institutional policy teams and impact champions may be able to help you highlight the relevance of your work to the national context, or help you write it in an easy-to-access policy-facing style. If you don’t have institutional support try asking AI! 

 Looking ahead 

Next round-up, we’ll return to explore how to sustain research visibility once media interest fades, and how partnering can strengthen your impact pathway. 

More information