New guidance: Routes for academic engagement with government

It’s excellent to see the publication of a new resource that makes it clearer than ever how academics can engage with government and make an impact on national policy: the Government Office for Science’s Routes for academic engagement with Government.

Why it matters

For researchers keen to make a difference, the pathways into policy and government can be challenging to navigate. This guide helps open the door. It emphasises that whether you’re early-career or very established, there are structured and informal ways to contribute your expertise.

What the guide sets out

These are some of the key routes described:

• Submit research & evidence: The guide points to the Government’s Areas of Research Interest (ARIs) as a direct way to show how your work might align with departmental objectives and benefit society. It notes that you may only need a short response (3-4 bullet points) to start a conversation. More details on ARIs here.

• Calls for evidence: Many departments invite input via calls for evidence; similarly, parliamentary select committees issue them too. It’s a way to inform policy development by offering expert insight. Calls for evidence can be found here.

• Proactive outreach & networks: Beyond formal processes, the guide encourages connecting via university policy centres, mechanisms like the Universities Policy Engagement Network, and researcher networks.

• Exchange schemes: Secondments, internships or fellowship opportunities enable embedding researchers in government or public-sector policy environments. These vary in length and commitment. There is a directory of academia-policy exchange schemes; UKRI offers 18-month policy fellowships aimed at early-to-mid career academics.

• Advisory groups and expert networks: Membership of scientific advisory committees, expert registers, or informal time-limited groups is another route into influencing policy.

• Careers in government – The guide also points to options for researchers and STEM professionals to join the civil service, pursue apprenticeships, or explore policy roles for those curious about a more permanent shift from academia.

What this means for you (if you’re in research)

• If you have a policy-relevant research topic, check whether there are ARIs or calls for evidence that align.

• If you’re curious about policy-impact pathways, this guide reminds us of the value of small, meaningful engagements that allow you to build up experience in a manageable way.

• If you’re a research manager or communications lead, use the guide as a prompt to map out the engagement potential of the research you are supporting.

• If you’re building capacity in your institution, the guide helps you argue the case for secondments, policy fellowships or network-building that links academia and government.

Reflections 

What stands out most in this new guidance is its emphasis on choice and flexibility. The routes to engagement span low-commitment steps (submit a response, join a network) right through to deeper involvement (embedded fellowships, advisory roles). That means more researchers can find an entry point that fits their career stage, interests and capacity.

Equally valuable is how this guidance helps to clarify the policy landscape. Much has been happening in recent years to lower the barriers to academic-policy engagement. Policy engagement still has its complexities of course, but it no longer feels as opaque or ad hoc as it once did. The direction of travel, towards greater openness and collaboration, is encouraging.

Read the guidance: Routes for academic engagement with Government.