OPEN (Oxford Policy Engagement Network)
Next deadline: 23 February 2026 (OPEN Seed Fund)
OPEN is a network of researchers, doctoral students and professional services staff from across the University whose mission is to enable members to share knowledge and expertise with the policymaking community so that, together, they can contribute to better policies that protect what is valuable and change the world for the better.
OPEN offers members:
- Government consultations and parliamentary inquiries relevant to your field of interest
- Internal and external training opportunities aimed at providing a better understanding of what policymakers do and how they do it; what they need from research and researchers; and when and how to engage
- Events and networking opportunities
- Funding opportunities
- Priority access to regular ‘surgeries’ - opportunities where a member of the team can review your project design ideas, proposals or applications (e.g., for policy-related fellowships) and discuss approaches to informal policy engagement
It is advised that researchers wishing to apply for funding opportunities supported by OPEN should join the network.
Funding opportunities include:
OPEN Seed Fund - Open; Next Deadline: 12pm, 23 February 2026 (Hilary) (notify Faculty at least two weeks in advance of intention to apply).
Public Policy Challenge Fund - CLOSED; Deadline: 12pm, 10 November 2025 (notify Faculty at least four weeks in advance of intention to apply).
OPEN Workshops - Open, rolling deadline. OPEN members only.
OPEN Leaders Scheme (Closed as of 12 February 2024)
OPEN Fellowships (Closed - last deadline noon 14 October 2024)