The Academy is delighted to announce that ten successful applicants will join the eighth cohort of its prestigious Policy Fellowships programme:
- Sarah Brown, New Reactors Policy Business Partner, Office for Nuclear Regulation
- Joe Carroll, Senior Policy Advisor – Delivery and International, Office for Science and Technology Strategy, Cabinet Office
- Ben Christy, Quantum Policy Lead, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
- Simone Cooper-Searle, Head of Hydrogen Heating – Strategy and Communications, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
- Giulia Cuccato, Head of Science Systems & Academic Engagement, Government Office for Science
- George Economides, Head of AI and Autonomy, Department for Transport
- Cambyse Jafari-Pak, Head of Seafarer Protections, Department for Transport
- Abby Jitendra, Principal Policy Advisor, Care & Relationships, Joseph Rowntree Foundation
- Gareth Lavan, Policy Lead, Climate Education, Green Skills and Careers, Department for Education
- Anuj Mathew, Deputy Director for Analysis, Department for International Trade
The Policy Fellows will join the programme virtually between October 2022 and January 2023. They will take part in a series of activities designed to help them make rapid progress on their chosen policy challenges, including one-to-one meetings with experts, coaching sessions and group workshops. They will learn first-hand how engineers solve problems using techniques such as systems thinking, apply this to complex policy questions and have an opportunity to expand their personal networks with the Academy’s community of innovators and leaders. Collectively they will meet over 120 leading engineers and experts handpicked from the Academy’s UK and international networks.
Dr David Cleevely CBE FREng, Chair of the Policy Fellowships Working Group, said:
“The Academy’s Policy Fellowships programme is in its third year with a strong new cohort from across government and charities across the UK. The numbers show there is huge demand for applying engineering and systems thinking to a variety of the most complex policy challenges facing us. We are actively engaged with those who have already been through the programme and I continue to be excited by the potential of this unique network of policymakers to transform policy through engineering.”
Engineering Better Policy
The Policy Fellowships programme has a growing influence on policymaking practice. It is now a network of 56 alumni.
The improved understanding of challenges and solutions is already having a direct impact on policymaking. Writing in our programme’s insights report Engineering better policy, Policy Fellows share the aspiration that the programme will make a big contribution to changing how public sector organisations operate in the coming years. The range of connections across a diversity of departments and authorities creates a promising network as government increasingly focuses on science, engineering and technology.
‘My background inspired me to join the Policy Fellowships programme and ensure civil servants take equality and inclusivity into account while developing and implementing new policies. Following discussions with experts I identified inclusion as aligning with the systems-based approach advocated by engineers.’
Louise Dunsby Deputy Director, Innovation Policy, BEIS
‘The Policy Fellowship is an important collaboration to promote closer working between policymakers and engineers as government confronts increasingly complex and connected challenges.’
Simon Lawrence Head of Project Futures, Infrastructure and Projects Authority
Next cohort: applications open 15 September until 15 December 2022
The next cohort of Policy Fellows will start in January 2023. Applications will open on 15 September and will close on 15 December 2022. For more information about the programme and how to apply please visit www.raeng.org.uk/policyfellowships or email policyfellowships@raeng.org.uk.
Notes to the editors
- About the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Policy Fellowships
As a national academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering provides progressive leadership for engineering and technology, and independent expert advice to government in the UK and beyond.
The Policy Fellowships programme is an intensive professional development programme that supports better evidence-based policymaking. It advances policymaking and policy through engineering perspectives and systems approaches.
- About the Royal Academy of Engineering
The Royal Academy of Engineering is harnessing the power of engineering to build a sustainable society and an inclusive economy that works for everyone.
In collaboration with our Fellows and partners, we’re growing talent and developing skills for the future, driving innovation and building global partnerships, and influencing policy and engaging the public.