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Thematic Research Leads (TRLs) are mid-career researchers embedded three days a week in UK Parliament to facilitate and enhance the use of research evidence and expertise in Parliament through effective knowledge exchange and collaboration.


Thematic Research Leads (TRLs) are mid-career researchers embedded three days a week in UK Parliament, whilst retaining their substantive academic post for the remaining time.

This is a prestigious and influential role, the purpose of which is to facilitate and enhance the use of research evidence and expertise in Parliament through effective knowledge exchange and collaboration.

Each TRL leads on one of eight specific policy areas:

  • AI and Digital
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Business, Economics and Trade
  • Climate and Environment
  • Crime and Justice, Health
  • International Affairs
  • National Security
  • Transport

To achieve this, TRLs conduct three primary activities:

  • strategic support for the production and delivery of research evidence for Parliament
  • activities to support the development of a research and innovation landscape that facilitates and encourages knowledge exchange between Parliament and the research community
  • participation in a network of TRLs to share intelligence and insights across policy areas

Applications are open to all UK-based mid-career university researchers who are employed on an academic contract at a university.

The role is funded by UKRI.

You can find full details including a recording of an information session via the link below.

Deadline for applications is 23:55 UK time, Sunday 3 March 2024.

Click here for full details and application