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.

Professor Nick Pearce appointed to Pensions Commission

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Professor Nick Pearce has been appointed to the revived Pensions Commission, which will examine the barriers stopping people from saving enough for retirement.

Hear from stakeholders at the Brunel Centre launch on how it will support the industrial strategy

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Speakers at the launch of the new Brunel Centre, led by University of Bath with UWE Bristol and Futures West, explain how it will support economic growth.

New blog: Is history repeating itself?

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Dr Rachel Barry, Dr Alice Fabbri and Prof Anna Gilmore discuss the importance of learning from tobacco control in addressing commercially driven health harms.

New report: Going it alone: Experiences of self-employed Universal Credit claimants

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A new IPR report by Dr Rita Griffiths and Dr Marsha Wood investigates the experiences of self-employed people on Universal Credit.

New publication: Costs and benefits of improved leave for fathers in the first year

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New research by Dr Joanna Clifton-Sprigg, Dr Alistair Hunt, Lily Zelezetskii and James Bailey calls for an overhaul of UK paternity leave.

Latest research to policy engagement opportunities

Find current policy engagement opportunities to help increase the reach and influence of your research and expertise.

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 2025-26 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).

Professional Doctorate in Policy Research and Practice

Learn more about our postgraduate programme.

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.

ActNowFilm

Find out about ActNowFilm, which aims to highlight the importance of young people in national and global climate debates and negotiations.

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

Keep up-to-date with our latest research, 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.

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)