Agile Initiative Science-to-Policy Project Fund

The Agile Initiative invites researchers at the University of Oxford to apply for £20,000-£30,000 at 80% FEC for rapid science-to-policy (S2P) projects. These projects must focus on topics that are relevant to Agile’s mission and the NERC forward look for environmental science. We will make 4-5 awards and funding must be spent by 31^st March 2026.

THE FUND

What we’re looking to support: The S2P fund is designed to enhance our efforts to deliver evidence-based solutions to environmental science policy questions. This includes finding ways to identify and co-create new research questions and areas that are academically interesting and policy-relevant. 

S2P activities could include:

• Evidence synthesis and review
• Limited short-term research to address questions or gaps, for example to bring a new disciplinary angle into existing research for policy
• Workshops, meetings or round tables to bring researchers, decision-makers and stakeholders together
• Production of public-facing and user-friendly outputs
• Initiatives to engage in novel ways with communities previously not involved in the research to contribute to decision-making

Each S2P project must also produce an output that is attributable to the Agile programme.

Timeline: Projects can start from 1^st Dec 2025 and funds must be spent by 31^st March 2026.  

Who can apply: Researchers with a research contract with an Oxford University Department or Faculty (including fixed term contracts) at Grade 7 or above. 

Application and reporting: Applicants must complete a 2-3 page application form, provide a Trial X5 costing, and have confirmed support from their department for their application. Successful applicants will be asked to complete a short report no later than one month after the project ends.

Deadline: Given the tight timeframe, there is no deadline and applications will be reviewed as they are submitted until the available funds are fully committed. Assessment and decision-making will be rapid. 

Apply

To receive the guidance and application form, please contact agile@oxfordmartin.ox.ac.uk