Researcher spotlight

The Policy Unit supports researchers from across the University access policy placement and fellowship schemes. These range from well-established schemes with think tanks and government departments, to bespoke opportunities developed by the Policy Unit in collaboration with partners.

Policy placements

Loughborough University has seven researchers who sit on the College of Experts of three Government Departments. This is a strong position for the University, with colleagues at Loughborough having more of these roles than other similarly sized universities, including smaller Russell Group universities. 

Department of Culture, Media and Sport College of Experts

Professor Sarah Mills’, Professor of Human Geography research includes looking at the digital geographies of childhood, popular culture, and parenting through collaborative ESRC research on children and young people’s experiences of gaming/gambling.   

Professor Paul Downward, Professor of Economics at the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences researches the economics of sport and is currently coediting a handbook looking at what impact sport and physical activity has on health and well-being, social capital, inclusion and exclusion, human capital and labour markets.  

Dr Rachel Sandford is Reader in Physical Education, Youth and Social Justice at the School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences who researches young people’s experiences of, attitudes towards, and participation in physical education, physical activity and youth sport. 

Department for Transport College of Experts

Professor Ashleigh Filtness will contribute her expertise in road safety and driver behaviour, specifically in relation to driver sleepiness and fatigue.

Dr Ashley Fly, Lecturer in vehicle electrification at the University’s department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering will use his expertise in batteries, hydrogen fuel cells and electric vehicles to advise policymakers.  

Office for Environmental Protection College of Experts

Dr Savannah Worne research interests range across aquatic environmental geoscience, including algal productivity and nutrient cycling, aquatic pollution, palaeoceanography and climate change reconstruction.

Professor Varuna De Silva, an expert in AI and digital technologies, is the Parliamentary Thematic Research Lead for AI & Digital. Dr De Silva shapes and delivers high-impact research on a specific policy area to inform parliamentary debate and scrutiny. He provides analysis, briefings and horizon-scanning to support Members and committees, translating complex evidence into clear, impartial advice. He also builds strategic relationships with other acad

UKRI Policy Fellowships are designed to embed researchers within policy-making environments so that academic expertise can directly inform the development, delivery, and evaluation of public policy. They also aim to build long-term capability and relationships between the research community and government, strengthening evidence-based decision-making across the UK. 

2023 UKRI Policy Fellowships

Professor Mark Monaghan was appointed on the Ministry of Justice Improving Outcomes Fellowship, with the project taking place between March 2024 and March 2026. 

2025 UKRI Policy Fellowships

Loughborough University academics have been successful in their applications for the next UKRI Policy Fellowships cohort. More details will be confirmed in the New Year. 

Three Loughborough University researchers participated in The Royal Society Pairing Scheme 2025, where researchers and policymakers shadowed their pair’s work to learn about the importance of academia and policy working together. 

Dr Savannah Worne shadowed Baroness Liz Sugg who previously served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and Minister for the Overseas Territories and Sustainable Development, and as a Special Advisor to David Cameron in his time as Foreign Secretary. 

Professor Matthew Inglis, Professor of Mathematical Cognition, shadowed Lord Tim Clement-Jones, who is the Liberal Democrat Spokesperson in the Lords for the Digital Economy and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on AI.   

Dr Yang Lu, Senior Lecturer in Cybersecurity, Autonomous Systems & Ethical AI shadowed Maeve Fitzmaurice, Principal Researcher for AI Opportunities at DSIT.

Dr Emilene Zitkus, an expert in Digital Inclusion was appointed to the third Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Fellowship cohort, working in the Digital Inclusion Fellow role.

Policy blogs

Policy blogs written by Loughborough University researchers showcase timely insights, translating rigorous academic work into accessible commentary on public policy issues or learnings from placements. Through these blogs, our researchers contribute independent analysis to support policymakers, practitioners, and the wider public.

Dr Savannah Worne outside the Houses of Parliament

From the Lab to Legislation: How Scientists Can Engage with Policy

Dr Savannah Worne shares her thoughts on scientists engaging with policymakers following a period shadowing Baroness Liz Sugg as part of The Royal Society Pairing Scheme.
AI

Bridging Minds: Exploring AI Adoption Through the Royal Society Pairing Scheme

Dr Yang Lu has written with her reflections after shadowing a senior official working on AI Adoption at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology as part of The Royal Society Pairing Scheme.

Ten Years of Sporting Future: Progress, Pitfalls and the Pivot to Place-Based Partnerships

This blog was written by Dr Mathew Dowling and discusses the legacy of "Sporting Futures" ten years on.

Turning Algae into Action: Reflections From a Knowledge Exchange Day on Water Quality

Loughborough University researchers, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Environment Agency and the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust (LRWT) attend joint field trip.