The DSIT Fellowship 2026/2027 presents a strategic opportunity for experienced professionals in science, innovation, and technology to contribute directly to government policy. Delivered by the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT), this programme offers a 12-month, part-time secondment beginning in Autumn 2026. It is designed to bridge the gap between technical expertise and public sector decision-making, enabling fellows to shape impactful national policies. Overview of the Fellowship The fellowship is aimed at mid- to late-career professionals who possess deep expertise in their respective fields. Participants will be embedded within DSIT policy teams, working alongside civil servants to support the development and implementation of key departmental priorities. Key focus areas include: Policy development and public sector engagement Supporting strategic initiatives within DSIT Providing subject-matter expertise to inform decision-making This structure allows fellows to gain hands-on experience in government operations while contributing meaningfully to national innovation agendas. Eligibility Criteria The programme is offered as a secondment, meaning applicants must remain employed during participation. To qualify, individuals must meet the following requirements: Hold an active employment contract and be paid through PAYE Be directly affiliated with an approved partner organisation Eligible partner organisations include: Royal Society Royal Academy of Engineering techUK Institution of Engineering and Technology Academy of Medical Sciences British Academy Royal Economic Society British Computer Society Royal Society of Edinburgh This ensures that all fellows bring recognised expertise and credibility to the programme. Benefits for Participants The fellowship offers significant professional and personal development opportunities. Participants gain a unique perspective on how government functions and how policies are created and executed. Key benefits include: In-depth understanding of Civil Service structures and processes Enhanced ability to engage with government and policy stakeholders Opportunities to influence policy using specialised knowledge Access to curated Civil Service training programmes Exposure to senior civil servants and cross-departmental networks Expansion of professional networks across government and beyond These experiences position fellows to become effective contributors to policy discussions both during and after the programme. Benefits for Employers Organisations that support employee participation also gain substantial value. The fellowship acts as a high-impact professional development opportunity with minimal financial burden. Advantages for employers include: Access to expanded networks within DSIT and the wider Civil Service Transfer of new skills such as policy analysis and strategic thinking Improved organisational understanding of regulatory environments Enhanced employee capability in engaging with public sector stakeholders Increased employee motivation through exposure to challenging work Reimbursement of salary costs up to Civil Service equivalent pay bands This creates a mutually beneficial arrangement, strengthening both the individual and their organisation. Application Process Applicants are encouraged to apply for multiple placements to maximise their chances of selection. The application process involves: Completing the official application form Reviewing available placement opportunities Submitting tailored applications aligned with relevant roles Preparation and alignment with DSIT priorities are critical to a strong application. Selection Process Fellows are selected through a competitive process based on merit and alignment with programme objectives. Evaluation criteria include: Relevance of the applicant’s experience to the placement Potential impact on the host DSIT team Outcomes of matching conversations (interviews) Overall balance and diversity of the cohort This ensures a well-rounded group of fellows capable of delivering meaningful contributions. Timeline The selection and onboarding process follows a structured timeline: Mid-May to mid-June: Matching conversations (interviews) Late summer: Final selection decisions Autumn 2026: Programme commencement (subject to checks) Successful candidates must complete security and onboarding requirements before starting their placements. Programme Background The DSIT Fellowship builds on the success of previous cohorts, including the Expert Exchange Programme Pilot and earlier Science and Technology Fellowships. These initiatives demonstrated the value of integrating external expertise into government, leading to more informed and effective policy outcomes. The continued evolution of the programme reflects DSIT’s commitment to collaboration between government, academia, and industry. Conclusion The DSIT Fellowship 2026/2027 offers a rare opportunity for experienced professionals to influence public policy while developing new skills and networks. By fostering collaboration between experts and policymakers, the programme strengthens the UK’s capacity for innovation and evidence-based decision-making. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.