The UK Data Service invites you to apply to become one of its next cohort of Data Impact Fellows for a two-year programme running from January 2027 to December 2028.
For 10 years the UK Data Service Impact team has been supporting early career researchers and analysts from academia and the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector who want to take their data-driven work further – not just publishing it but getting it in front of people where it can make a real difference.
If your research or work draws on data in the UK Data Service collection, this is your chance to engage with new audiences and develop real-world impact, backed by a £3,500 award and dedicated support throughout the programme. Please submit your application using the Data Impact Fellows 2027 application form.
What does the scheme offer me?
- A grant of £3,500 – plus dedicated support from the Impact team to help you decide how to spend it effectively.
- Opportunities to meet and network with other Fellows – past and present – as you join the wider Data Impact Fellow community.
- Access to training and one-to-one support, helping you build skills in areas like developing your voice, engaging with a range of audiences and developing approaches to get your findings in front of the right people to contribute to impact.
- Raising your professional profile by showcasing your work and your impact journey to different audiences through the Data Impact blog and other impact channels.
- Contribute to our Data Impact Fellow events, connecting with a wider network of researchers, practitioners and policymakers.
The scheme will run from January 2027 to December 2028.
Why should I apply?
We asked Fellows from across the 10 years of the scheme what the experience gave them.
“It has been great getting to know other early career researchers with a similar interest in creative innovative research impact, and receiving training on different perspectives of impact and tools to implement in your research project.”
– Roxana Pollack, 2025 Data Impact Fellow
“It opened up the door to understanding how different stakeholders are trying to influence policy making and how communication can be different between lots of types of research and the stakeholders you are trying to influence.”
– James Cockett, 2019 Data Impact Fellow
“I am fully behind the idea that research should have impact. Too often, in my view, academics produce really interesting research that the public and policymakers are unaware of… The DIF scheme was an opportunity for me to think about how I can create impact with my research.”
– Ben Brindle, 2019 Data Impact Fellow
Read more of our Data Impact Fellows’ reflections of the scheme on our Data Impact blog series celebrating 10 years of the scheme.
How do I apply?
Applications opened on 28 September 2026 and close at 23:59 on 30 November 2026. You can submit your application using the Data Impact Fellows 2027 application form.