Skip to Content

About us

We are a network of organisations who work to improve the use of academic evidence in public policymaking. UPEN connects university researchers with policymakers and builds collaborative opportunities for policy engagement.

Our mission

UPEN’s mission is to facilitate a connective and collaborative ecosystem where organisations can work together to strengthen the use of academic research in public policy.

Sarah Chaytor, is standing in front of a UPEN banner delivering a presentation in a lecture theatre at UPEN annual conference 2025. She is holding a microphone in her left hand, and is wearing a blue dress. People in the foreground are sitting in the lecture theatre seats listening to the presentation.

Our story

UPEN was founded in 2018 by a handful of universities seeking to increase coordination and collaboration to engage with policy organisations and policymakers.

Today our network has grown to 120 members, including two thirds of UK universities across all nations, policy organisations, and independent research organisations. We have become a key space for knowledge brokerage in the UK and for collaborative academic-policy engagement initiatives.

Aiysha Qureshi is sitting at a table as part of a workshop at the UPEN Conference describing something to a person sitting to her right. She wears a black patterned headscarf and black blazer. People in the background at other tables are visible but not in focus.

Why become a member

As a UPEN member, you’ll have access to our events programme, our weekly newsletter, and dedicated bespoke support and knowledge from a network of experts leading UPEN.

UPEN Members contribute their expertise, energy and their time through their involvement with our sub-committees, events programme, and UPEN projects.

How we’re funded

UPEN membership activities, including our membership engagement staff, events, and annual conference, are funded through member donations. UPEN Programmes is funded from 2025-2028 from Research England, ESRC and UKRI. This covers all UPEN Programmes staff and initiatives.

Read more

Who we are

We are a member-led network, hosted administratively at UCL, driven by the needs of our community. Strategic direction is set by our three Co-Chairs, with the UPEN Executive providing governance and steering.

Our mission is delivered by our dedicated teams for Membership Engagement and UK-wide Programmes. Much of our collaborative work is also powered by our sub-committees: special interest groups run by and for our members.

Meet our community