About the opportunity
The Data Impact Fellows scheme, running from January 2027 to December 2028, supports early career researchers and analysts who utilize data from the UK Data Service collection. The programme is designed to help fellows develop their ideas for engaging diverse audiences, building professional networks, and amplifying the real-world impact of their data-enhanced work. Fellows receive financial support alongside training, mentoring, and opportunities to showcase their research through blog posts, events, and co-created case studies. The scheme fosters collaboration and offers a platform to connect with a wider network of researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.
Funding and benefits
- A grant of £3,500 to fund professional development and impact activities
- Dedicated support and guidance on creating an effective spending plan
- Face-to-face and virtual networking meetings with the 2027 cohort and previous cohorts
- Access to training and one-to-one support to build audience engagement and impact skills
- Platform to showcase work and impact journey via the Data Impact blog and impact channels
- Opportunities to contribute to impact events, podcasts, and impact themes
- Travel and accommodation costs covered for attendance at the initial face-to-face meeting in Bristol
Who can apply?
- Working for a UK-based charity, voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector organisation, or a UK university/Higher Education Institution (HEI)
- Actively using data available via the UK Data Service in research or data analysis
- Early career researcher or data analyst (for VCSE applicants, likely in first or second role; for academic applicants, likely a PhD student or in first post-doctoral role)
Required documents
- Short introduction detailing yourself, your work, and your reasons for applying (requested upon success notification)
- Short biography and headshot for publication upon selection
When to apply
- Applications open on 28 September 2026
- Application deadline is 30 November 2026 at 23:59
- Applicants notified of success by mid-January 2027
- Initial mandatory face-to-face meeting takes place the week beginning 22 February 2027 in Bristol
How to apply
- Prepare your application details demonstrating how you use UK Data Service collection data and your impact goals
- Submit your application through the official online survey form provided by Jisc before the deadline
Additional information
- The scheme runs from January 2027 to December 2028
- Fellows must commit to attending a face-to-face meeting in Bristol during the week beginning 22 February 2027
- Fellows are required to write a minimum of four Data Impact blog posts over the two years and participate in regular online meetups
- Part of the award funding must be allocated toward an activity engaging a non-academic audience
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Early career researchers or data analysts working in UK academia or the VCSE sector who actively leverage UK Data Service collections.
- Professionals seeking structured mentorship, media training, and networking opportunities to boost research visibility beyond academia.
- Individuals with creative ideas for public engagement or non-academic impact activities who need financial and institutional backing.
What should you think carefully about?
- Strict requirement to attend the initial in-person meeting in Bristol during the week beginning 22 February 2027.
- Ongoing two-year commitment involving regular online meetings and authoring at least four blog posts.
- Geographically restricted to individuals working at UK-based universities or VCSE organizations.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship acts as an ideal catalyst for early career researchers and analysts aiming to bridge the gap between quantitative data work and public policy or community engagement. It provides practical communication skills and a national platform that can accelerate academic trajectories, open doors for cross-sector collaborations, and enhance professional profiles without requiring a massive time sink outside standard project goals.
Our take
Early career researchers and analysts based in the UK who routinely rely on UK Data Service data and wish to elevate their public impact should strongly consider applying. It is less suitable for senior researchers or those unable to commit to the two-year program activities and mandatory Bristol meeting.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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