Bridging Academia and Government: Durham University Joins UK-Wide Policy Network

UPEN Expands: Durham University to Play Key Role in Policy Engagement

Durham University is set to play a key role in a new national network aimed at strengthening evidence-based policymaking. Research England, the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) have announced a £5.9 million investment to develop the Universities Policy and Engagement Network (UPEN), a UK-wide initiative designed to enhance the use of academic expertise in shaping public policy.

UPEN is hosted by University College London (UCL) and includes Durham University, alongside the universities of Birmingham, Cambridge, Huddersfield, Leeds, Nottingham Trent, Southampton, Teesside, Insights North East at Newcastle, and the Wales Centre for Public Policy at Cardiff University. Additionally, the Institute for Community Studies, the Institute for Government, and the universities of Yorkshire are participating in the initiative.

Durham University will be represented by Neil Heckels, Senior Policy Engagement Manager, who will co-lead UPEN’s professional development and capability-building activities alongside Southampton University. His role will be instrumental in ensuring that universities can effectively contribute to policy discussions and decision-making processes.

UPEN serves as a vital link between UK policymakers and researchers from over 110 universities, providing support, best practices, and collaborative opportunities to improve policy engagement. Over the next four years, the network will focus on several key priorities, including:

• Enhancing universities’ ability to engage effectively with policy organisations and decision-makers.
• Strengthening place-based policymaking by fostering collaboration between academic institutions and regional and local policy bodies.
• Embedding citizen engagement and community-driven approaches into policymaking to ensure inclusivity and responsiveness.
• Developing sustainable and resilient models for long-term engagement, ensuring that academic expertise continues to shape evidence-based public policy.

With increasing pressure on public finances, the need for reliable evidence to inform policy has never been greater. By bridging the gap between academia and government, UPEN is set to strengthen the role of research in shaping effective and impactful policies. This initiative underscores the growing importance of academic expertise in policymaking, ensuring that decisions are informed by rigorous research and real-world insights. Through collaboration and knowledge-sharing, UPEN is poised to drive meaningful change in public policy across the UK.

Editor’s Note:

Durham University’s inclusion in the expanded Universities Policy and Engagement Network (UPEN) marks a significant step in bridging academic research and real-world policymaking. As part of a £5.9 million initiative backed by Research England, ESRC, and UKRI, this collaboration reinforces the critical role universities play in shaping evidence-based public policy. With more than 110 institutions involved, UPEN aims to enhance how academia contributes to regional, national, and local decision-making. Durham’s leadership in co-delivering professional development and capacity-building activities through Neil Heckels reflects its commitment to meaningful engagement beyond the campus. In an era when public policy must respond swiftly and inclusively to complex societal challenges, initiatives like UPEN ensure that research not only informs policy but is also grounded in the lived experiences of communities. By embedding citizen engagement and promoting sustainable collaboration, this network holds promise for a more inclusive and informed approach to governance.

Skoobuzz highlights that through strategic partnerships and knowledge-sharing, UPEN is set to drive lasting change in public policy across the UK.