The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is looking for talented scientists researchers engineers and analysts who want their work to influence real policy. The Research and Development R&D Fellowship Programme 2027/28 places external experts inside government for up to 12 months.
Now in its fourth year the program bridges research and policymaking on issues like environmental protection, climate resilience, agriculture, biodiversity and food security.
UK Defra Fellowship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Defra Research and Development (R&D) Fellowship Programme 2027/28 |
| Duration | 6 to 12 months |
| Working pattern | Full time or part-time (job share available) |
| Salary | HEO £33,590–£37,480 / SEO £41,220–£44,500 (plus possible £3,000 specialist supplement) |
| Application deadline | 14 September 2026 |
| Application method | Online via Civil Service Careers portal |
| Webinar | 3 September 2026 |
Benefits of the Fellowship
- Direct contribution to national policy on high-priority issues
- First-hand experience of how evidence shapes government decisions
- Professional networks across government scientists, policy advisers, analysts and external partners
- Development of policy writing, scientific communication, stakeholder engagement and leadership skills
- Competitive salary funded by Defra
- Flexibility for secondments so applicants can remain employed by their current organisation
- Strong career development step toward roles in government research, public policy, the Civil Service or related fields
Previous policy experience is not required. Defra supports fellows to build policy knowledge during the placement. Also See JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027 in Japan – Fully Funded
What Fellows Do
Fellows join Defra science, evidence and policy teams and contribute directly to live projects. Typical activities include:
- Conducting high-quality scientific or analytical research
- Supporting the development of government policies
- Synthesising complex evidence for decision-makers
- Communicating findings clearly to policymakers
- Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams
- Working with Defra’s public sector research establishments
- Engaging stakeholders from academia, government and industry
The focus is practical impact rather than pure academic research.
Possible Project Areas
Fellows may work on topics across Defra’s responsibilities, including:
Environmental protection
Biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, nature recovery, wildlife protection, air quality, marine and freshwater ecosystems.
Climate and sustainability
Climate adaptation and resilience, carbon reduction, environmental risk assessment, sustainable resource management.
Food and agriculture
Sustainable food production, farming innovation, animal health and welfare, plant science, fisheries management.
Science, data and innovation
Artificial intelligence applications, data science, statistical analysis, environmental modelling, geographic analysis, operational research, evidence synthesis.
National security and environmental risk
Natural hazards, biosecurity, environmental resilience, risk management.
Researchers from a wide range of scientific and analytical backgrounds are welcome.
Who Should Apply
The programme suits researchers at different career stages, including:
- Early-career and mid-career researchers
- Experienced scientists and engineers
- Analysts seeking policy exposure
- Professionals from academia or industry
- Technical specialists interested in public policy
Eligibility pathways
- You must meet one of the following education requirements:
- Have a Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, or another analytical field, along with a postgraduate degree.
- If you are still completing your postgraduate degree, you must finish it before 1 April 2027.
- Or, you must have Chartered Engineer or Chartered Scientist status recognized by the Engineering Council or Science Council.
- You should have strong technical knowledge and skills in your field.
- You must have good communication skills and be able to explain technical topics clearly.
- You should be interested in public policy and motivated to use your knowledge to support policy work.
- You must be able to work with people from different fields and backgrounds.
Application Process
Applications are submitted online through the UK Civil Service Careers portal. Required elements typically include:
- Employment history
- Educational qualifications
- Online application form
- 500-word personal statement covering relevant experience, technical expertise, motivation for joining Defra, and interest in preferred policy areas
- Indication of preferred policy areas
After the deadline:
- Applications are shortlisted
- Selected candidates attend virtual interviews
- Successful applicants are matched with suitable Defra projects
- A reserve list may be created
Key Dates
- Applications open: Now
- Information webinar: 3 September 2026, 09:45–10:30 UK time
- Application deadline: 14 September 2026 at 23:55 UK time
- Expected shortlisting: 21 September – 2 October 2026
- Expected interviews: 12–30 October 2026
- Fellowship start: From 1 April 2027
- Programme end: 30 March 2028
How to Apply for Defra Fellowship 2027
Submit your application through the official Civil Service Careers website for Defra fellowships. Prepare the 500-word personal statement carefully and apply well before the deadline.
Register for the free information webinar on 3 September to hear from previous fellows and ask questions directly.
Full details and the application link are available on the Civil Service Careers Defra fellowships page.