Developing capabilities of professionals and institutions that undertake engagement between academia and policy. This work is part of UPEN Programmes, funded by Research England from 2025-2028.
Developing capabilities of professionals and institutions
‘People’ develops the professionals and institutions at the heart of engagement between academia and policy. Led by the universities of Durham and Southampton, it will help understand professional capabilities and skills needs, deliver tailored development programmes, and create a ‘Policy Engagement Readiness Index’ to help institutions grow.
Led by
Universities of Durham and Southampton
Developing
professional skills of knowledge mobilisers
Supporting
university capabilities
Areas of focus
Mapping professional capabilities
A national mapping exercise will build a detailed understanding of the skills, career pathways, and professional development needs of people who connect research and policy.
Professional development programme
Programmes to support and recognise those in knowledge mobilisation roles, and develop career guidance and support. These programmes will include accredited training, leadership development, mentoring, and practical opportunities for peer learning.
Policy Engagement Readiness Index
A new framework to help universities understand and benchmark their capacity for policy engagement, guiding strategic investment and development.
An equity driven approach
We are putting equity, diversity and inclusion at the heart of the support UPEN provides by addressing inequalities in resource, capacity and opportunity through targeted support for groups under-represented in policy engagement. We will also ensure that training and development support is accessible and open to diverse audiences and rooted in ethical practice.
Over the last fifteen years, the growth of knowledge mobilisation teams in UK universities has led to a rich and diverse range of capabilities. The Policy Engagement Readiness Index (PERI) aims to measure these capabilities, providing a more granular understanding to inform Higher Education Institution capacity, structural capability and strategic resource allocation across the sector. We welcome inquiries on this work from government, funders, or institutions with a knowledge mobilisation function.
Gareth GilesPeople Co-Lead, University of Southampton
Our work builds upon UPEN’s strong history of informal mutual support to create a comprehensive approach towards supporting skills and career development. My ambition for UPEN is that regardless of your level of experience, career background, or personal characteristics, there are high quality, varied and engaging set of professional development opportunities available, rooted in a deeper understanding of knowledge mobilisation practice.
Neil HeckelsPeople Co-Lead, Durham University
Funding for UPEN Members
During our funding period for UPEN Programmes from 2025-2028, we are offering funding for our members and beyond to participate in Programmes activities and propose new initiatives.
