Apply to the UPEN Participation Fund – Awards of up to £5,000 Available

If you want to engage more deeply with policy-facing work but face practical or financial barriers, this fund is for you. The Participation Fund supports activities that directly advance UPEN’s programme goals across its three core pillars: People, Place and Practice. Whether you’re an early or mid-career researcher, part of a professional services team, or based at an institution not currently partnered with UPEN Programmes, you are encouraged to apply.

What the fund offers

Awards of up to £5,000 are available, with applications accepted on a rolling basis. The fund is intentionally flexible and aims to make participation possible where institutional support isn’t accessible. UPEN will continue to share specific opportunities via its newsletter, website and LinkedIn, but you can apply at any time if your proposed activity clearly contributes to UPEN’s programme aims.

The fund will run for three years, enabling UPEN to assess how targeted financial support can build national capacity for meaningful, high-impact policy engagement.

What you can apply for

The fund supports a broad range of activity, including:

• Travel and accommodation to attend UPEN-led workshops and regional programmes
• Honoraria for rapid evidence reviews, policy briefings or expert contributions
• Responding to urgent policy questions from government partners
• Convening national workshops to share insights that advance Programme priorities
• Creative or innovative proposals that help deliver the UPEN Programmes’ aims

If your work can strengthen academic policy engagement—and you need support to do it—UPEN wants to hear from you.

How to apply

The application process is simple. You’ll be asked to outline the purpose of the funding, how your activity contributes to UPEN Programme objectives, and confirm that no alternative institutional funding is available. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with decisions typically issued within 15 working days.

Ready to get involved?

UPEN is committed to supporting diverse voices, expertise and approaches. If you have an idea that could help build a stronger, more connected academic–policy ecosystem, you’re encouraged to apply.

And remember to keep an eye on our Programmes pages for updates on ways to get involved!

Complete the application form here