Brunel Strengthens Government Ties via Expanded Open Innovation Fellowship

Brunel Academics Lead Public Policy Innovation in AI and Biosecurity

Brunel University London, a public research institution named after the engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, was chartered in 1966 and joined the University of London federation in 2024. It is renowned for its innovation, interdisciplinary research, and global engagement, boasting a vibrant international community. Consistently recognised among the UK’s leading institutions for its social and environmental contributions, Brunel is particularly distinguished for its impactful research in public policy, artificial intelligence, and sustainable technologies. Building on its strong foundation in research and innovation, Brunel University London continues to play a key role in shaping UK government policy through its involvement in the Open Innovation Team (OIT) public policy fellowship. This part-time mentoring programme connects civil servants with academic experts from universities including Brunel, Essex, Lancaster, Surrey, and York.

Over six months, fellows work with university mentors to explore specific policy challenges and develop research-informed solutions. The programme promotes evidence-based policymaking by helping officials understand complex issues such as artificial intelligence, health, education, and sustainability. As part of a broader government initiative, it encourages collaboration between academia and the civil service, allowing policy professionals to test ideas, address evidence gaps, and assess impact with structured academic support. Established in 2016, the OIT promotes collaboration between government and universities by integrating academic insight into policymaking. This enables civil servants to engage with research, generate new ideas, and assess policy impact.

In addition, the 2025 fellowship programme has grown substantially, with 25 civil servants selected from 15 government departments, nearly triple the number from the previous year. Among them, five fellows have been paired with researchers from Brunel University UK, working collaboratively on urgent issues in artificial intelligence, machine learning governance, and biosecurity innovation. The fellowship forms part of a broader initiative to embed academic partnerships within public policy, offering civil servants part-time mentoring from experts at leading institutions. Mentors are drawn from the OIT’s five University of London partner universities: Brunel, Essex, Lancaster, Surrey, and York.

A key project highlighting Brunel’s contribution to AI and public policy involves Dr Cigdem Sengul, Reader in Computer Science, who is supporting a Defra fellow on the AI-driven modernisation of the assessment process for Common Health Entry Documents (CHEDs). This initiative seeks to enhance biosecurity, reduce manual intervention, and uphold robust standards of data privacy and accountability. Dr Sengul underscores that while AI can improve public sector efficiency, its deployment must be underpinned by rigorous privacy and governance frameworks.

Other Brunel academics contributing to the fellowship include Dr Lu Gan and Professor Tatiana Kalganova (Electronic and Electrical Engineering), Professor Philip Davies and Dr Kristian Gustafson (Social and Political Sciences), and Professor Marios Angelides (Brunel Design School). Their involvement reflects the university’s multidisciplinary approach to innovation and its strategic engagement with public policy. Professor Justin Fisher, Director of Brunel Public Policy, described the fellowship as a “fantastic way” for Brunel’s research to meet government needs, placing academic work at the centre of decision-making and advancing the university’s mission to use UK research for public benefit.

The 2025 cohort includes civil servants from departments such as the Cabinet Office, Department for Work and Pensions, and HM Revenue and Customs. Their projects span critical areas including AI’s influence on trade and national security, as well as open data policy. Brunel students and early career researchers may also have opportunities to engage with fellows, gaining insight into how academic research informs public policy.

More broadly, public policy engagement across UK universities involves collaborative research to support evidence-based decision-making. Alongside Brunel, institutions such as Essex, Lancaster, Surrey, and York contribute to the OIT partnership, offering a national network of public policy fellowships. Brunel’s academic portfolio, including courses in computer science, engineering, social sciences, and design, continues to underpin its strong research credentials in areas vital to contemporary policymaking. Through its sustained commitment to research excellence and government collaboration, Brunel University London exemplifies the transformative role of UK higher education in shaping public life.

Editor’s Note

Brunel University London’s continued involvement in the Open Innovation Team public policy fellowship reflects the growing importance of academic expertise in shaping government decisions. The expansion of the 2025 programme highlights a strong demand for research-led solutions to complex public challenges. Brunel’s contribution, through mentoring, interdisciplinary research and collaboration, demonstrates how universities can support civil servants in developing effective, evidence-based policies. This initiative also offers valuable opportunities for students and early career researchers to understand how academic work influences public life. By engaging with real-world policy questions, Brunel scholars are helping to bridge the gap between research and practice. The university’s leadership in areas such as AI, biosecurity, and social policy continues to strengthen its role as a trusted partner in UK policymaking. Furthermore, the programme underscores the vital role of cross-sector collaboration in addressing today’s complex societal issues. As public policy increasingly intersects with emerging technologies and global challenges, Brunel University’s commitment to innovation and impact ensures that its research remains relevant and responsive.

As per Skoobuzz, this ongoing partnership enriches government decision-making and reinforces Brunel’s position as a leader in advancing evidence-based solutions that benefit communities across the UK and beyond.