Understanding effective place-based academic-policy engagement for diverse local and regional evidence needs across the UK. This work is part of UPEN Programmes, funded by Research England from 2025-2028.
Understanding local and regional evidence needs
‘Place’ works with local and regional policy bodies across all four nations to understand place-based evidence needs. Led by the Universities of Birmingham and Leeds, in alignment with the Local Policy Innovation Partnership Hub, it will consider the best models of engagement for different places, situate engagement within regional contexts, and join up the learning on engagement with local government.
Led by
Universities of Birmingham and Leeds
Convening
Regional engagement
Collaborating
Across the UK
Areas of focus
Bringing regions together
We will develop a network of sub-national academic-policy engagement initiatives to share learning about research-policy engagement in different geographical contexts. Our ‘What Works Here’ workshops will consider the overlapping and crossing processes and pathways for research to inform policy, both within and across regions.
Understanding place-based evidence needs
We will explore evidence needs and forms of knowledge in different places to develop resources for multi-level policy engagement across England, to build a system which recognises how the needs of the policy community reflect their place.
Supporting new regional initiatives
We will provide support to regions in responding to future funding opportunities and to the creation of new combined authorities, sharing our expertise and best practice.
Universities are uniquely positioned to understand and respond to the distinct challenges and opportunities within their regions. Place-based approaches ensure that research and policy engagement are rooted in local realities, driving inclusive growth and delivering impact where it matters most.
Professor Rebecca RileyPlace Co-Lead, City-REDI, Birmingham Business School
By working closely with local and regional policy bodies across the UK, we are building a thorough understanding of place-based evidence needs. Strengthening these insights will help to ensure that policies are informed by robust research and shaped by the realities of the communities they are designed to serve.
Peter O’BrienPlace Co-Lead, Yorkshire Universities
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.
