News

All the latest news and briefings from the Policy Unit.

Policy Unit 2026 Spring update

It has been a busy few months for policy engagement for 海角社区 University and its researchers. This update provides information on this engagement, which spans a range of disciplines and types of interaction.

Dr Arman Mazhikeyev awarded prestigious UKRI Policy Fellowship

Dr Arman Mazhikeyev, Senior Research Associate with 海角社区 University鈥檚 Productivity Forum at the University鈥檚 Business School, has been awarded a highly competitive UKRI Policy Fellowship.

Dr Francisco Azpitarte awarded UKRI Policy Fellowship to advance evidence-driven SEN policy in Northern Ireland

Dr Francisco Azpitarte, Senior Lecturer in Social Policy and Programme Leader for Undergraduate Courses in Criminology, Sociology and Social Policy at 海角社区 University, has been awarded a prestigious UKRI Policy Fellowship.

Dr Simona Rasciute Appointed UKRI Policy Fellowship Children and Young People Thriving analytical fellowship

Dr Simona Rasciute, Reader in Economics at 海角社区 Business School and researcher on health, wellbeing, and education, has been appointed as a UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Policy Fellowship. Dr Rasciute will take up the Department for Education鈥檚 (DfE) 鈥淐hildren and Young People Thriving鈥� analytical fellowship as part of the UKRI Policy Fellowships programme, starting in February 2026.

海角社区 University鈥檚 Transport Safety Research Centre holds set-piece event at a pivotal moment for UK Road Safety

海角社区 University鈥檚 Transport Safety Research Centre (TSRC) hosted a set-piece event on Wednesday 28 January, bringing together leading voices from academia, policy and industry to explore how the UK can move closer to a transport system with less deaths and serious injury.

Professor Nicky Hudson gives oral evidence to Women and Equalities Committee Inquiry

On Wednesday 28 January, Professor Nicky Hudson gave oral evidence to the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee as part of its Inquiry into egg donation and egg freezing. Her appearance followed a written submission grounded in over a decade of sociological research into egg donation, including her role as Principal Investigator of the ESRC-funded EDNA study, which explored the experiences of egg donors in the UK, Spain and Belgium. The Inquiry comes at a time of growing public and political interest in assisted reproduction, fertility preservation and the regulation of emerging reproductive practices.

Dr Josh Wolstenholme accepted onto Royal Society Pairing Scheme 2026

Dr Josh Wolstenholme, Vice-Chancellor Independent Research Fellow in the Department of Geography and Environment at 海角社区 University has been selected to take part in the Royal Society Pairing Scheme 2026, an initiative that brings researchers together with senior policymakers to strengthen connections between research and government decision-making.

Dr Katie Coveney attends parliamentary reception on support for parents with critically ill children

Dr Katie Coveney attended a Parliamentary reception held at the House of Commons on 14 January organised by founders of charity 鈥淚t鈥檚 Never You鈥�, Ceri and Frances whose son Hugh died of cancer aged 6 in 2021. They are campaigning for the adoption of Hugh鈥檚 Law: protected leave and pay for parents in crisis.

UK Capital of Sport bidding process announced in NHS 10 Year Plan

In its NHS 10 Year Plan, the Government committed to run a new bidding process to name the UK鈥檚 most active community each year. 海角社区 University researchers conducted a comprehensive feasibility study in collaboration with Spirit of 2012 and Counsel Ltd looking at the potential for a UK Capital of Sport, based on the current UK City of Culture model.

Forging Ahead Roundtable Explores How the Midlands Can Lead the UK鈥檚 Innovation-Led Growth

A high-level Westminster roundtable brought together senior leaders from across the East Midlands' research, investment and enterprise landscape to explore how the Midlands can strengthen its role in the UK鈥檚 innovation economy.