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.

Job opportunity: Head of Policy Programmes and Communications

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An exciting opportunity to lead the policy engagement and communications work of the Institute for Policy Research.

New blog: Children from poorer families do worse at school: Understanding the disadvantage gap

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Ceri Brown and Prof Nadia Siddiqui examine England’s persistent education disadvantage gap and discuss policy efforts aimed at reducing educational inequality.

New blog: How can circular economy principles be applied to the food sector?

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PhD student Jessica Westlake explores the impacts of a circular food system, and the importance of collaboration between consumers, businesses, and governments.

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.

Upcoming event: Securing our food supply

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On 21 May, panellists discuss what a good food system looks like, and how we can ensure that our food system is fairer, more sustainable and more resilient.

Upcoming event: Prof Phil Scraton: Bearing witness to the ‘pain of others’

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On 19 June, Prof Phil Scraton addresses the political, ethical and personal challenges to bearing witness to the ‘pain of others’.

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 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

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

21 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.

Prof Phil Scraton: Bearing witness to the 'pain of others'

19 Jun 2025 5.00pm The Chancellors' Building 5.12, University of Bath

Drawing on his decades of research, Prof Phil Scraton addresses the political, ethical and personal challenges of bearing witness to the 'pain of others'.

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)