Institute for Policy Research

A leading public policy research institute, based at the University of Bath.

Spotlight

Highlights from our latest research, analysis, activities and programmes.

New blog: Designing a world you don’t need perfect vision to use

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Dr Aikaterini Tavoulari discusses the need to consult people with vision impairment in policy decisions and infrastructure choices.

New blog: Why physical activity equity should be on every school’s agenda

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Georgina Wort discusses the importance of movement and the current inequality between schools.

New blog: The India-UK trade deal is a prime opportunity to protect vulnerable workers

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Pankhuri Agarwal discusses the potential impact of the deal on Indian garment labour markets and working conditions.

Upcoming event: The hidden human labour powering AI

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On 12 March, James Muldoon explores the unseen workforce and global supply chains that make artificial intelligence possible.

Upcoming event: The work of care

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On 18 March, Kate Hamblin and Emily Kenway discuss the realities of unpaid care and the urgent policy challenges it raises.

Upcoming event: Post-liberalism

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On 26 March, Matt Sleat discusses post-liberalism: what it is, where it comes from, and why it has gained momentum.

Our research

We aim to further the public good through research into issues of significant relevance to policy debate and decision-making.

UBILab@IPR

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An interdisciplinary lab for research into Universal Basic Income (UBI).

Education, welfare and work

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Exploring the reform of education, welfare and work.

Sustainable futures and healthy living

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Exploring the interconnected economic, social, environmental and health challenges we face in the UK and globally.

Political economy and politics

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Analysing political economy and exploring the evolution of politics, the changing role of the state, and political ideas and values.

Research archive

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Learn more about our previous public policy research projects.

Latest publications

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An overview of the most recent reports and policy briefs produced by the IPR.

Policy engagement

Learn more about our policymaker and practitioner opportunities.

The IPR Policy Fellowship Programme

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Explore your professional policy questions and challenges through the IPR Policy Fellowship Programme. Applications for 2025-26 now open.

IPR Health Policy Fellowship Programme

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Senior policymakers from government and the third sector working on health policy are invited to apply for our specialist IPR Policy Fellowship Programme.

IPR Net Zero Policy Fellowship Programme

Senior policymakers from government and the third sector working on net zero policy are invited to apply for our specialist IPR Policy Fellowship Programme.

IPR AI Policy Fellowship Programme

Senior policymakers from government and the third sector working on AI policy are invited to apply for our specialist IPR Policy Fellowship Programme.

The IPR Visiting Fellows schemes

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Outstanding national or international academics or policymakers can apply to spend up to six months with the IPR.

The Bath Policy Engagement Academy

Connecting University of Bath researchers and policymakers through fellowships, networks and capacity building to enable evidence-informed policymaking.

Doctorate in Policy Research and Practice

Learn more about our postgraduate programme.

Professional Doctorate in Policy Research and Practice (DPRP)

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This pioneering doctorate will enhance professional capability and critical reflection on the theories, methods and practices of policymaking.

Professional Doctorate students at the IPR

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Learn more about our students studying for the Doctorate in Policy Research and Practice.

ActNowFilm

Find out about ActNowFilm, which aims to highlight the importance of young people in national and global climate debates and negotiations.

ActNowFilm

A youth voices project produced by the Institute for Policy Research (IPR) and Cambridge Zero.

Watch ActNowFilm

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The four films from the ActNowFilm project highlight the critical role of young people in tackling the climate crisis.

Connect with us

Keep up-to-date with our latest research, events and news.

Sign up to the IPR newsletter

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Keep up to date with our latest research, publications, news and events by subscribing to the IPR newsletter.

IPR online lectures

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Watch our lectures online to catch up with the best of our events.

IPR policy podcasts

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Listen to our IPR policy podcasts to catch up on the best of our lectures and seminars.

About us

We aim to further the public good through research into issues of significant relevance to policy debate and decision-making, manage networks with the worlds of policy and practice, and increase public understanding of policy research through our public events and publications.

We deliver activities for policymakers, researchers and practitioners to enable dual learning and original contributions to both research and practice.

Enquiries

If you have any questions, please contact us.

Institute for Policy Research (IPR)