UK Government DSIT Fellowship, UK 2026/2027 (Paid Fellowship Opportunity for Science and Technology Experts)
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) Fellowship Cohort 4 2026/2027 is now open for applications in the UK. This prestigious fellowship offers mid- to late-career professionals in science, innovation, and technology the opportunity to join the UK government on a 12-month part-time secondment beginning in Autumn 2026.
The fellowship is designed for experts who want to contribute to public policy, support the development of national science and technology strategies, and work alongside civil servants in delivering important departmental priorities. It also offers a unique opportunity to understand how policymaking works within the UK Civil Service while broadening professional networks and gaining valuable strategic skills.
Fellowship Overview
Host Country: United Kingdom
Programme: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Fellowship Cohort 4
Duration: 12 months (part-time)
Start Date: Autumn 2026
Degree Level: Fellowship / Professional Development
Eligible Nationality: Open to applicants affiliated with approved UK partner organizations
Funding Type: Paid fellowship with employer reimbursement
Degree Level
The DSIT Fellowship Cohort 4 is available for professionals and researchers seeking a professional fellowship opportunity rather than an academic degree programme. It is particularly suited for mid- to late-career experts in science, innovation, engineering, economics, and technology-related sectors.
Available Subjects
Applicants from the following broad subject and professional areas are encouraged to apply:
- Science
- Innovation
- Technology
- Engineering
- Economics
- Medical Sciences
- Computer Science
- Public Policy
Benefits
The DSIT Fellowship offers benefits both for the participant and their employer.
For Fellows
Participants will:
- gain practical insight into how the UK government and Civil Service operate
- develop an understanding of policy development and implementation
- use their specialist expertise to shape policy in key government areas
- access Civil Service training and development opportunities
- build networks with senior civil servants and experts across government
- strengthen skills in strategic thinking and policy engagement
For Employers
Employers will benefit from:
- reimbursement for employee time during the fellowship
- improved employee skills in policy analysis and strategic planning
- stronger links with government departments and public sector networks
- enhanced staff motivation through funded professional development
- knowledge transfer back into the organisation after the fellowship
Eligible Nationalities
Open to applicants of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the fellowship, applicants must:
- be mid- to late-career professionals in science, innovation, or technology
- be employed under an employment contract and on PAYE with their employer
- be directly affiliated with one of the approved partner organisations
- have relevant expertise suitable for the fellowship placements
Eligible partner organisations include:
- Royal Society
- Royal Academy of Engineering
- techUK
- Institution of Engineering and Technology
- Academy of Medical Sciences
- British Academy
- Royal Economic Society
- British Computer Society
- Royal Society of Edinburgh
Application Procedure
Applicants can apply for more than one placement under the fellowship programme.
To apply:
- Review the available fellowship placements.
- Complete the official DSIT Fellowship application form.
- Submit your application before the deadline specified on the official portal.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a matching conversation interview between mid-May and mid-June 2026.
- Final selections will be made in late summer 2026.
- Successful fellows will begin placements in Autumn 2026, subject to security and onboarding checks.
Selection Criteria
Applicants will be selected based on:
- how well their experience matches the fellowship placement
- the potential contribution they can make to the DSIT host team
- diversity and balance within the final fellowship cohort
The DSIT Fellowship Cohort 4 2026/2027 is an excellent opportunity for professionals who want to use their expertise to shape science and technology policy in the UK while gaining first-hand government experience.
