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The DSIT Fellowship 2026/2027 is a 12-month, part-time secondment programme run by the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). It provides experienced professionals in science, innovation, and technology with the opportunity to contribute directly to UK government policy development while remaining employed by their home organisations. The programme begins in Autumn 2026 and is designed to strengthen evidence-based policymaking across the UK Civil Service.
WhatsApp ChannelDSIT Fellowship 2026/2027 Guidance Overview
- Duration: 12 months (part-time)
- Location: United Kingdom (government policy teams)
- Programme start: Autumn 2026
- Work format: Secondment (2–3 days per week)
- Field: Science, technology, innovation, policy
- Deadline: May 6, 2026
What is the DSIT Fellowship Programme 2026/2027?
The programme places experienced professionals into DSIT policy units while they remain employed by their home organisations. Fellows work alongside civil servants on live government priorities, contributing specialist knowledge from industry, academia, and professional practice.
The fellowship is structured as a secondment rather than a full-time job change. Participants typically work 2 to 3 days per week for one year, depending on the placement.
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Key focus areas in 2026/2027
The Cohort 4 placements cover a wide set of policy areas linked to UK science and technology priorities. These include:
- Artificial intelligence and digital systems
- Data infrastructure and governance
- Science and research ecosystem development
- Economic security and technology regulation
- International collaboration on emerging technologies
- Horizon scanning and long-term policy planning
Some placements also focus on frontier technologies such as quantum computing, engineering biology, and AI-enabled scientific discovery.
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Eligibility criteria of DSIT Fellowship 2026/2027
Applicants must:
- Be employed under a valid employment contract and paid through PAYE
- Be supported by their employer for a secondment arrangement
- Be directly affiliated (for example, as an awardee or fellow) with a DSIT partner organisation
- Have recognised expertise in science, engineering, technology, economics, or related policy-relevant fields
Eligible partner organisations include:
- Royal Society
- Royal Academy of Engineering
- techUK
- Institution of Engineering and Technology
- Academy of Medical Sciences
- British Academy
- Royal Economic Society
- British Computer Society
- Royal Society of Edinburgh
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Who can apply
The DSIT Fellowship 2026/2027 is intended for mid- to late-career professionals with established expertise in science, technology, innovation, economics, or related fields. It is particularly suited to individuals from academia, industry, research institutions, and professional bodies who are interested in contributing to UK government policy and public sector work. Applicants should have the ability to apply technical knowledge to real-world policy challenges and be willing to work within government teams on a part-time secondment basis.
Application and selection process
The application process follows several stages:
- Submission of an application form for specific placement(s)
- Matching conversations with DSIT policy teams
- Selection based on skills fit and policy impact potential
- Final cohort approval after interviews and matching outcomes
Shortlisted candidates are typically invited for matching conversations between May and June 2026. Final decisions are expected in late summer, followed by onboarding and security clearance.
The programme begins in autumn 2026 once all checks are completed.
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DSIT Fellowship 2026/2027 Dates
- Applications open: ongoing for Cohort 4 placements
- Matching interviews: mid-May to mid-June 2026
- Final selection: late summer 2026
- Programme start: autumn 2026
- Duration: 12 months part-time
What fellows work on
Placement responsibilities vary by team, but generally include:
- Designing and testing policy ideas using technical expertise
- Analysing scientific and technological evidence for government decisions
- Supporting regulatory and innovation strategies
- Working with academia, industry, and civil society stakeholders
- Contributing to national programmes in AI, data, and frontier science
Some roles are designed to be flexible, allowing fellows to shape parts of the research or policy agenda based on their expertise.
Benefits for professionals and organisations
For selected fellows, the programme offers:
- Direct exposure to UK government policy development processes
- Access to civil service training and senior officials
- Opportunity to contribute to the national science and technology strategy
- Expanded professional networks across government and research sectors
For employers, benefits include:
- Reimbursed salary costs during the secondment period
- Staff development in policy, regulation, and strategic analysis
- Stronger engagement channels with UK government institutions
- Transfer of policy and regulatory knowledge back into the organisation
Why the DSIT Fellowship 2026 matters
The programme reflects a broader shift in UK policy design, where government departments increasingly rely on external experts to handle fast-moving areas such as artificial intelligence, data infrastructure, and national innovation strategy.
By embedding professionals directly into policy teams, DSIT aims to strengthen technical depth inside government while maintaining links with academia and industry.
Key takeaway
The DSIT Fellowship 2026/2027 is a UK government secondment programme that enables experienced science and technology professionals to work directly on national policy while remaining employed by their home organisations.
