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: Why public policy matters in today's world

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Ricky Kanabar writes about the MSc in Public Policy course and why effective public policy is so important.

New blog: European leaders agree defence ramp-up to support Ukraine – but Hungary blocks progress

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Prof David J Galbreath explores the challenges of increasing defence budgets, balancing economic risks, and securing Europe’s long-term security commitments.

New blog: How the risk of AI weapons could spiral out of control

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Akhil Bhardwaj explores how flawed AI reasoning – like mistaking rulers for cancer markers – raises ethical concerns, especially in weapon development.

Protecting patients and the NHS through full transparency in industry-NHS collaborations

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This policy brief, led by Dr Piotr Ozieranski, recommends key reforms to address financial conflicts of interest in the healthcare sector.

Q and A with Prof Peter Allen, author of How to Think About Politics

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Prof Peter Allen's new book unpacks five fundamental ideas that shape politics – and our lives.

Upcoming event: Revitalising Britain: What's working and what's next?

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On 24 April, Will Hutton and Polly Toynbee discuss how the government has been addressing the pressing economic, social and political challenges we face.

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 2024-25 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 latest 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.

Internal opportunities

Learn more about our sabbatical and internship schemes.

The IPR sabbatical scheme

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Bath academics can apply to spend a semester at the IPR to work on an interdisciplinary research project with substantial policy and public engagement.

IPR internships

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Apply now for an internship with the Institute for Policy Research (IPR).

Postgraduate programmes

Learn more about our postgraduate programmes

Masters (MSc) in Public Policy

This Masters degree offers students the opportunity to study how public policy is made, what shapes it and how to make a real difference as a policymaker.

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.

Climate change and the environment

Our latest work on environmental and climate policy.

ActNowFilm

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

ActNowFilm: Youth Climate Leaders as Agents of Change

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The 2024 ActNowFilm weaves together the insights of global climate experts with the narratives and actions of young people from across the world.

Connect with us

Find out more about the IPR, and stay up-to-date with our latest research, publications, 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 signing up 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.

Upcoming events

Revitalising Britain: What’s working and what's next?

24 Apr 2025 6.00pm The Chancellors' Building 1.12, University of Bath

Will Hutton and Polly Toynbee discuss how the government has been addressing the pressing economic, social and political challenges we face.

Securing our food supply: Building resilience in the UK

14 May 2025 6.00pm Online

The speakers discuss what makes a good food system, as well as the policies needed to make our food system fairer, more sustainable and more resilient.

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)