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UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)
Defra Research and Development (R&D) Fellowship Programme 2027/28
We found and reviewed this scholarship through an external listing. Confirm current details with the provider.
A policy-focused fellowship for external researchers from academia and industry to work within Defra on science, evidence, and policymaking. Fellows contribute to government research and policy projects for six months to up to 12 months, with full-time or part-time arrangements available.
Do I qualify 5 requirements for everyone + route options
Do I qualify
The eligibility details below come from the captured scholarship source. Compare them with your circumstances and the provider page.
Everyone needs
- Strong technical expertise
- Excellent communication skills
- Motivation to contribute to public policy
- Interest in evidence-based decision-making
- Ability to work collaboratively across disciplines
These depend on how you qualify. The provider describes 3 ways, and you will not need all of them. The official page shows which applies to you.
- degree Undergraduate degree in a science, engineering, or analytical discipline
- degree Postgraduate degree, or expected completion before 1 April 2027
- profession Chartered Engineer
- profession Chartered Scientist registered through an appropriate professional institution recognised by the Engineering …
- Fields of study
- Agriculture and environment, Computer science and IT, Engineering, Mathematics and statistics, Natural sciences, Social sciences
What's covered Coverage unconfirmed
- Duration
- 6-12 months
- Host country
- United Kingdom
- Host institution
- Defra
We have not confirmed the detail of what this award covers — the official page has it.
What I need Not listed here
The full document list lives on the official page — we do not republish it, because it changes between cycles.
Apply Route still to confirm
How to apply
The application information below summarizes the captured scholarship source. Review the provider page before submitting.
- Optionally register for and attend Defra’s online applicant information session on 3 September 2026; the source says registration is available through the official Eventbrite information session, but provides no registration URL. Optional
- Submit the application online through the UK Civil Service Careers portal, including the employment history, educational qualifications, online application form, a 500-word personal statement, and preferred policy areas. Required
- Deadline
- 14 September 2026
- Deadline timezone
- UK Time
- Application cycle
- 2026 application cycle
Details to confirm
- This cycle is closed or has passed. Watch the official page for a future cycle.
- A direct official application route has not been found yet.
- Some eligibility wording is ambiguous in the source — read the exact wording on the official page.
- Funding coverage details are missing from the captured source.
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