Applications are welcome from 27th April 2026, when the application window opens
Midlands Innovation is proud to partner with the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) to offer two exclusive fellowship opportunities in social sciences and biological health, with applications now open to eligible PhD students at participating MI partner institutions. The successful fellows will have the opportunity to learn about the role of the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) which supports UK Parliament’s use of research evidence.
PhD students at one of four participating MI universities have their chance to experience working in the Palace of Westminster. Successful fellows will have the opportunity to interact closely with people and activities in the two Houses of Parliament, including; Select Committees, MPs and Peers, their support services, ‘All-Party Parliamentary Group’ meetings and much more.
POST sources reliable and impartial scientific research evidence for the UK Parliament, covering both emerging and complex topics. The 13-week fellowship opportunity, which will take place from January 2027, is open to PhD students who are undertaking their PhD study in the social sciences or in life sciences, health sciences and medicine. The opportunities are for eligible PhD students from Loughborough University and the Universities of Birmingham, Leicester and Warwick.
The successful fellows will support UK Parliament’s use of research evidence. Most fellows assist POST in providing briefing material for parliamentarians on emerging science, technology and social science topics. This can include researching and producing briefings and reports, or assisting Select Committee inquiries.
The 2027 Midlands Innovation POST Fellowship opportunities build on a highly successful joint initiative between Midlands Innovation and the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, which has seen fellows selected from an exceptional field of candidates for the past two years.
Amani Al-Oraibi is the latest MI POST fellow to have completed her fellowship, having published a POSTnote briefing on rare genetic diseases as part of her fellowship. Amani, a Doctoral Researcher in the Division of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Leicester at the time of applying for the scheme, said: “I have always been interested in the impact of research and how this can be translated for policymakers so when I came across the Midlands Innovation POST Fellowship I knew I had to apply.
“Being able to spend time at Parliament, work on a briefing for MPs and Peers, and to see how evidence feeds into policy was something I could not have got anywhere else. I learned far more than I expected, both about how to communicate research in a balanced and impartial way and about how the policy world actually works. I would encourage any eligible researcher to make use of this amazing opportunity and apply.”
Chloe Emery, a Doctoral Researcher in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at Loughborough University, is the latest MI POST Fellow to begin her fellowship within Parliament. Chloe said: “I am thrilled to have secured one of the coveted Midlands Innovation Parliamentary POST Fellowships. It is a unique opportunity, and I am excited for everything that I am going to learn and experience.”
Professor Richard Thomas, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Research and Enterprise at the University of Leicester, and Midlands Innovation Executive Management Group member, said: “At such a critical time for the country, this is a truly exceptional opportunity for two postgraduate students to undertake research on areas of national importance in the very epicentre of our democratic decision-making.
“In an age of disinformation, Parliamentarians rely on the highly respected research provided through POST. The research of the MI POST Fellows will provide parliamentarians from both Houses with the information they need to help inform their decision making on topics that can impact the whole country.”
Jenny Chapman, Biological Sciences and Health Adviser at the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST), said: “We are excited to launch the third round of this Fellowship as we’ve been lucky to host such talented MI students over the last few years. POST Fellowships give students the opportunity to understand first-hand how Parliamentarians and their staff use research evidence.
“Our previous Fellows have told us how valuable the experience has been for their career development, as they have gained a deeper understanding of how Parliament works, honed their communication skills, and demonstrated they can work on a complex, emerging topic outside of their area of expertise. Additionally, Fellows have enjoyed plenty of extra-curricular activities, such as attending receptions with the Speaker of the House and climbing the Elizabeth Tower to hear Big Ben chime!”
Application eligibility and deadline
Those interested in the fellowships can learn more about the scheme, including the eligibility criteria, when the scheme launches via this link on 27th April.
The application window opens on 27th April, with the deadline to apply on 31st May 2026 (23:55).
MI POST Fellowships Webinar
PhD students studying in the social sciences or in life sciences, health sciences and medicine from participating MI universities (the Universities of Birmingham, Leicester, Loughborough and Warwick) who are interested in applying for the scheme are encouraged to register for an optional information webinar hosted by POST and Midlands Innovation on: 13th May between 15:00 – 16:00.
Register for the information webinar via the Midlands Innovation POST Fellowship Scheme page here (from the 27th April).
