Got an evidence need?

We can connect you with researchers and evidence from universities across the UK.

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We can access the expertise you need

Go beyond your usual network with access to academics at more than 120 UK universities. Our team are experts at understanding how to translate your policy need for the academic community and can get you what you need, quick.

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Become a member

Policy membership is launching in early 2027. Register your interest to find out more.

How we can support you

Want your new Areas of Research Interest to reach academics quickly? UPEN can convene researchers from across our members and find those who have the evidence for your pressing questions.

Areas of Research Interest launches are our most well attended events, attracting upwards of 200+ knowledge mobilisers and academics.

Hear what the Department of Work and Pensions said about hosting their 2026 Areas of Research Interest launch with UPEN:

“Working with UPEN helped us connect directly with a wide range of researchers and show that DWP is open to collaboration. It was great to see such strong interest in engaging with the Department, and to hear that people found us open and approachable. We’re looking forward to building on these relationships and creating more opportunities for researchers to contribute to DWP’s evidence priorities.”
At UPEN, we understand the benefits of having diversity of expertise for evidence-informed policymaking. Evidence suggests that more diverse views lead to better policy outcomes, both in policy development and implementation.

Through our network, we can open the door to evidence and expertise across different universities, disciplines, career stage, and geography of the UK.
We know that you’re often working to pressing time scales in policy and it can be difficult to find a diversity of academics quickly. Our team can support you to convene academics for a roundtable on a topical issue, in as little as three weeks.

Email us to have a conversation.
If you have an evidence need and you’re not sure where to start, we can help with that. We’ll collaborate with you to understand what type of support you need, what stage the work is at, and work together on timelines.

Email us for a chat.
Our communications platforms at UPEN give you access to thousands of knowledge mobilisers and academics across the UK. We can share calls for evidence, requests for expertise, events, fellowships, secondments and jobs across our channels.

Get in touch to ask about sharing your opportunities.