We all know that good decisions rely on good evidence. Scrutiny and lawmaking is supported by a rich mosaic of information and research – and academics play a crucial role.
One of the ways PhD students can gain a deeper understanding of the role of research and evidence in parliaments is through the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Policy Internship Scheme. In Wales, this is managed by Senedd Research – the Welsh Parliament’s expert, impartial research service – working together with colleagues from other UK legislatures.
Since 2003, we have welcomed over 80 student interns to the Welsh Parliament, studying for PhDs in a diverse range of subjects including marine ecosystems, computer science, the ethnography of music and materials for fusion reactors, to name but a few.
The scheme is an opportunity for PhD students to develop their understanding of how research is used in a parliamentary setting. Building on their existing research skills, policy interns will gain on-the-job experience of working in a fast-moving policy environment during the three-month placement.
What does Senedd Research do?
Senedd Research provides impartial, authoritative information on the latest topics under consideration in the Welsh Parliament. As well as a proactive enquiry service, we also provide briefing and policy support to Senedd Committees, individual Members of the Senedd and their staff. We publish research articles on a broad range of topics related to both parliament and government business.
During the placement, interns will have the opportunity to get involved in all aspects of our service, whilst embedded in an experienced, multi-disciplinary team.
What do UKRI interns do during their placement?
The areas of work will be agreed within the research team, and due to the nature of our work, most will be led by Committee and Member needs. Interns will answer Member enquiries, contribute to Committee briefings, write short proactive research articles, and lead on at least one in-depth research briefing (to be published on the Senedd Research website). Our interns have told us that their placements have helped them to develop their skills in writing for a non-academic audience, both through formal training and on-the-job practical experience.
Interns rarely focus on researching a topic that closely aligns with their PhD. Instead they can use their transferrable skills to research, examine, understand and write about subjects they have no prior knowledge of. Though this, they will be able to demonstrate multi-disciplinary research impact.
All work is undertaken with the support and supervision of subject experts.
In our experience, interns get the most out of their placements when they relocate to Cardiff – but hybrid options can be discussed too.
Examples of our interns work from recent years include:
- Hydrogen in Wales;
- Bovine Tuberculosis;
- Levelling up: Is the Welsh video games sector ready to build on its recent success?
- Tackling homelessness: “a mountain that can feel impossible to climb”
- Putting a stop to antimicrobial resistance.
But don’t take our word for it…
Our interns have gone on to various roles, both inside and outside the policy world. Several of our Senedd Research staff first joined us as interns, and enjoyed the experience so much that when posts came up they applied. Some work in local government, think tanks, research councils and industry – and others have remained in academia. The scheme provides an unrivalled opportunity to work at the heart of Welsh democracy, and to help students consider whether a career in parliamentary research, or wider policy, might be something they want to pursue.
Dr Charlotte Lenton, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), interned with us in 2024, undertaking work including a research briefing on the rail system in Wales. Charlotte wrote a blog about her internship experience, where she talks in detail about her time at the parliament. In summing up she said:
For me, the internship has probably been the highlight of my PhD to date. Regardless of whether you’re considering a career in academia, industry, or policy I would highly recommend undertaking this internship. I learnt so many valuable skills in such a short time which will be really useful going forward.
Research published in 2021 on Understanding the outcomes and impacts from PhD policy fellowship schemes found that:
PhD fellows were unanimous in their support for the experience […], describing it as “probably one of the best things I did in my PhD” and “way more social, interesting and dynamic than I expected”.
Key impacts for interns included:
- Experience of policy “from the inside”;
- Greater perspective of the policy world and wider context;
- Increased motivation and a sense of contribution;
- A distinctive and transferrable policy skillset; and
- Career ambition and openings in employment.
Who pays and how do I apply?
The scheme is open to UKRI-funded PhD students only. In 2026, Senedd Research is looking to recruit up to six interns from NERC, BBSRC, ESRC, AHRC and EPSRC funded programmes, starting in January or September 2026.
Doctoral stipend and fees continue to be paid by research organisations throughout the three-month internship period. Up to £3,172 is available to interns to cover travel and accommodation costs. Annex A of the Applicant Guidance provides more information.
Applications for the 2026 placements opened on Monday 2 June, and will close on 8 September. Further information about how to apply can be found on the UKRI website. We will also be running an online information session about the scheme in July. This will provide potential applicants with the opportunity to learn more about the scheme, and hear from some of our previous interns about their experience. To register your interest, please complete this online form by 30 June.
Article by Chloe Corbyn, Senedd Research, Welsh Parliament.
