GM Fellowship Scheme doubles in size as second year begins

Our policy engagement unit has been connecting policy professionals to the wealth of research within the University for more than a decade, building relationships and networks regionally and nationally to provide informed evidence for robust public policy development.  

The GM Policy Hub was set up over two years ago to increase connectivity and enhance wider policy discussions.  

Following consultation with government departments, local councils and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, we launched our University of Manchester-led fellowship scheme to connect researchers and policymakers working on issues important to our region. 

Each fellow has the opportunity to receive a bespoke set of briefing sessions with researchers from across the University around their working area of interest, combined with an open invitation to undertake tours and access our enviable resources and facilities.  

In return, fellows are encouraged to get proactively involved in activities such as hosting a seminar, workshop or roundtable, writing an article, encouraging knowledge exchange or organising a co-produced piece of research.  

Successful beneficiaries of last year’s inaugural GM Policy Fellowship Scheme have reflected fondly on their experiences. 

Writing on LinkedIn, James Brannan, Cyber Security Policy Advisor at the Cabinet Office, said: 

“Being a part of the inaugural Policy@Manchester GM Policy Fellowship Scheme has provided an incredibly rewarding experience to bridge the gap between academia and government policy, with access to The University of Manchester's academic experts helping bring a fresh perspective to how we approach the pressing issues in our field.  

“I’m very much looking forward to continuing to bolster these relationships through the creation of a regular Security Academic Research Forum, which I’m hoping to roll out and expand across government.” 

Tricia Francis, Product Specialist at the Department for Business and Trade, wrote: 

“Time certainly flies! It's hard to believe that it's been almost a year since my cross-government colleagues and I were accepted into the inaugural Policy@Manchester Greater Manchester Fellowship Scheme.  

“This initiative aims to connect researchers and policy staff/influencers to provide insights into the issues and policy questions we are working on. 

“We had a wonderful get-together reflecting on our experiences as fellows and highlighting key takeaways from our research and engagement. For me, the November roundtable, organised by the Policy team, was pivotal in engaging with the Greater Manchester Professional and Business Services ecosystem to discuss productivity challenges and solutions. 

“We are now proud to become the inaugural alumni of this Fellowship Scheme and looking forward to further conversations with the University's Policy team and researchers, as well as connecting with future fellows.” 

This year’s cohort of ten fellows comes from across the public sector including the Department for Culture, Media and Sport; the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero; the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology; the Cabinet Office; Greater Manchester Combined Authority; Manchester City Council; and Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council. 

Professor Cecilia Wong, Academic Co-Director of Policy@Manchester, is deeply impressed by the quality of the chosen applicants and is looking forward to working closely with them over the next 12 months. She said: 

“Last year’s fellows were fantastic. 

“It was a brand new venture for the University but it exceeded all our expectations.   

“Reflecting that success, we have doubled the number of fellows this year but the quality of applicant is every bit as high.   

“I wish them well as they get fully immersed in the multitude of experiences and academic expertise that The University of Manchester is renowned for.”