The Midlands Innovation Fellowship in UK Open 2026 is an exciting opportunity for PhD students looking to gain hands-on experience in policymaking while advancing their research careers. This prestigious program, also known as the UK Parliamentary Fellowship for PhD Students or the POST Fellowship UK, offers fully funded placements designed to develop research communication skills and provide exposure to the inner workings of the UK Parliament.
Whether you are pursuing a Midlands Innovation Research Fellowship or exploring other Fellowship for PhD Students in UK, this program provides a structured and rewarding pathway for early-career researchers.
About the Midlands Innovation Fellowship 2026:
The Midlands Innovation Fellowship 2026 is jointly offered by the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) and Midlands Innovation. It provides two 13-week placements for PhD students or recent graduates in biological sciences, health, or social sciences. Fellows contribute to evidence-based policymaking through tasks such as:
- Preparing POSTnotes and briefings
- Supporting committee inquiries
- Organizing seminars and workshops for MPs, Peers, and parliamentary committees
This PhD research fellowship in UK Parliament is designed to give students direct exposure to parliamentary processes while allowing them to apply their research to real-world policy questions.
Eligibility Criteria:
Who is eligible for Midlands Innovation Fellowship in UK?
- PhD students currently registered at Midlands Innovation partner institutions: University of Birmingham, University of Leicester, Loughborough University, or University of Warwick
- Students pursuing or having recently completed a PhD in biological, health, or social sciences
- Successful completion of a security vetting check (Counter Terrorist Check level)
- Note: International PhD students can apply, provided they meet the eligibility requirements
Students from other Midlands Innovation partner universities (Aston, Cranfield, Keele, Nottingham) are not eligible.
Check Also: University Of Essex International Undergraduate Scholarship
Funding and Benefits:
The fully funded Midlands Innovation Fellowship for PhD students offers:
- A stipend of £7,922.50 for the 13-week placement
- For clinical academic PhD candidates, funding equivalent to a 13-week PhD stipend extension
- Payments are processed through the fellow’s university after security clearance
In addition to financial support, the fellowship provides invaluable experience in:
- Evidence-based policy research placements
- Strengthening research communication skills in a parliamentary context
- Networking with policymakers, academics, and peers in the UK Parliament
Placement Duration and Structure:
How long is the Midlands Innovation Fellowship placement?
- Duration: 13 weeks
- Flexible arrangements: Full-time over three months or part-time according to agreement with supervisors and POST
- Start date: April 2026
Fellows are based in Parliament, actively contributing to research outputs that inform national policy.
Application Process:
How to apply for Midlands Innovation Fellowship in UK:
- Download and read the official application pack
- Submit a completed online application form
- Prepare a two-page briefing note on a relevant policy topic using the provided template
- Obtain approval forms signed by your PhD Supervisor and Head of Department (or Studentship Grant Holder)
- Submit via the House of Commons recruitment portal
Application deadlines:
- Online information session: Thursday, 2 October 2025, 14:30–15:30 BST
- Application submission: Sunday, 19 October 2025, 23:55 UK time
- Interviews: Wednesday, 19 November & Thursday, 20 November 2025
Where to submit applications for Midlands Innovation Fellowship UK?
All applications must be submitted through the official House of Commons recruitment portal.
Why Apply?
This fellowship is ideal for PhD students seeking to:
- Gain first-hand experience in UK Parliament research fellowship programs
- Apply their academic knowledge to evidence-based policy research placements
- Develop professional skills in research communication and policymaking
- Expand career opportunities in academia, government, and research institutions
Visit daadscholarship.com for More Fully-funded Scholarships 2026 News.
Conclusion:
The Midlands Innovation Fellowship 2026 offers a unique chance for PhD students to bridge research and policy, develop essential research communication skills, and gain a competitive edge in their careers. Eligible candidates should prepare their applications carefully and make the most of this fully funded fellowship in the UK Parliament.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is eligible for Midlands Innovation Fellowship in UK?
PhD students at eligible Midlands Innovation institutions pursuing biological, health, or social sciences research.
What is the stipend for Midlands Innovation Fellowship 2026?
£7,922.50 for a 13-week placement, with additional funding for clinical academic candidates.
How long is the fellowship placement?
13 weeks, full-time or part-time depending on arrangement with the supervisor and POST.
