UKRI What Works Innovation Fellowships 2027

UKRI What Works Innovation Fellowships 2027 in UK | Up to £220,000 Funding

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Applications are now open for the UKRI What Works Innovation Fellowships 2027 in the United Kingdom. The fellowship is designed for researchers who want to generate evidence that helps prevent and reduce violence against women and girls (VAWG). The 18-month fellowship is funded through the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Research and Development Missions Accelerator Programme (RDMAP) and will begin on 4 January 2027.

The UKRI fellowship will support three Innovation Fellows, each hosted by a different Government-backed What Works Centre in the UK. Fellows will work on research projects, collaborate with policymakers, universities, and public sector organisations, and contribute to the launch of a new National What Works Programme on tackling violence against women and girls.

The fellowship provides up to £220,000 in Full Economic Cost (FEC) to support research activities and collaboration. Applications are open to researchers at all career stages who are employed by an organisation eligible for UKRI funding.

UKRI What Works Innovation Fellowships 2027 Summary

  • Host Country: United Kingdom
  • Funding Organisation: UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
  • Programme: What Works Innovation Fellowships
  • Duration: 18 months
  • Fellowship Start Date: 4 January 2027
  • Funding: Up to £220,000 (Full Economic Cost)
  • Eligible Applicants: Researchers employed by UKRI-eligible organisations
  • Application Deadline: 8 September 2026 (16:00 UK time)

Also Check: KWI International Fellowship 2027 in Germany

Available Fellowship Opportunities

Applicants can apply for one of the following three fellowship positions:

  • What Works in Tackling Domestic Abuse hosted by Foundations (What Works Centre for Children & Families)
  • Economic Modelling to Support Effective Prevention hosted by the What Works Centre for Crime Reduction at the College of Policing
  • What Works to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls Perpetration hosted by the Youth Endowment Fund

Each fellowship focuses on a different research area. Applicants should review the detailed role description for their preferred fellowship before applying.

Also Check: Africa Institute Fellowships 2027 in UAE

UKRI Fellowship Funding

Successful fellows can receive funding of up to £220,000 at Full Economic Cost (FEC), including:

  • Up to £180,000 for the fellowship
  • Up to £40,000 for research, collaboration, travel, and knowledge exchange activities

UKRI will fund 80% of the Full Economic Cost, while the fellow’s employing organisation is expected to contribute the remaining 20%.

Also Check: United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2027

What Will Fellows Do?

Selected fellows will work within one of the three What Works Centres and will:

  • Conduct research and innovation projects related to violence against women and girls.
  • Produce evidence to support public policy and practice.
  • Work with UK government departments, universities, researchers, and sector organisations.
  • Help establish the National What Works Programme on tackling violence against women and girls.
  • Participate in collaboration and knowledge exchange activities with the wider fellowship cohort.
  • Translate research findings into practical recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.

Eligibility Criteria of UKRI What Works Innovation Fellowship

Applicants must:

  • Be employed by a UKRI-eligible research organisation.
  • Hold a PhD or equivalent research experience.
  • Have expertise relevant to the fellowship they are applying for.
  • Meet the additional requirements listed in the selected fellowship description.
  • Demonstrate strong analytical, research, and communication skills.
  • Have experience working with stakeholders or applying research outside academia.
  • Be able to work collaboratively and contribute to interdisciplinary projects.

The fellowship is open to researchers at all career stages.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit:

  • A curriculum vitae (CV) of no more than three pages.
  • An Application Statement of no more than three pages.

The application statement should address:

  • Vision for the proposed fellowship.
  • Capability to deliver the fellowship objectives.
  • Proposed approach to co-designing the fellowship with the host, What Works Centre.

Interview Process

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interviews conducted by representatives of the relevant host organisation. Interviews are expected to take place during the week beginning 28 September 2026.

Following interviews, host organisations will recommend candidates to UKRI, which will make the final funding decisions. Successful applicants will later upload their applications through the UKRI Funding Service.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the UKRI What Works Innovation Fellowships 2027 is:

8 September 2026 at 16:00 (UK time).

Late applications will not be accepted.

How to Apply?

Applicants must apply directly through the organisation hosting their chosen fellowship. Each fellowship has its own online application portal. Candidates should prepare their CV and Application Statement according to the published guidance and submit them before the deadline.

For complete fellowship details, eligibility requirements, and application links, visit the official announcement.

Official Link to Apply

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