OPEN Leaders Scheme, deadline 12 Feb

The Oxford Policy Engagement Network (OPEN) Steering Group is calling for Expressions of Interest (EoI) from researchers and professional services staff at the University of Oxford who would like to become OPEN Leaders, helping to foster an inclusive, supportive culture of policy engagement.

DPhil students can apply if they will have submitted their thesis and be awaiting examination at the point their project will commence.

Awards of up to £8,000 are available to support OPEN Leaders in carrying out activities that will enable one or more departments or faculties to

• Deepen understanding of how researchers can contribute to policymaking, and develop skills to do this effectively;
• Broaden and deepen relevant networks, creating and developing more opportunities for engagement; or
• Improve the policymaking community’s access to the best available research evidence and expertise.

Previous OPEN Leaders have used their awards to develop leadership skills, to support their colleagues, and to spearhead activities of strategic benefit to their departments and more widely.

This scheme will not fund:

• Research consultancy.
• Publications or other activities that already took place.
• Academic conferences lacking clear prospects of enabling policy engagement.

Applicants must show a genuine interest and some experience in public policy. This opportunity aims to nurture leadership qualities, including:

• Effective communication with diverse groups.
• Encouraging colleagues' contributions.
• Building collaborative relationships.
• Innovatively applying research to public policy.
• Promoting the benefits of policy engagement for research and society.

Deadline or expressions of interest are midday on 12 Feb.

Click here for full details