We’re delighted to launch our 2027 R&D Fellowship Programme for Defra
Join us in using science and analysis to tackle some of today’s biggest policy challenges.
For a fourth year, we’re offering the best and brightest from UK science, research and analysis a short-term experience of working at the policy interface through Defra’s Research and Development Fellowship Programme.
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- Hi everyone, I'm Anjali Goswami, Defra's Chief Scientific Advisor and Director General of Science, Data and Analysis, and I am delighted to invite you to apply for Defra's flagship Research and Development Fellowship programme.
- This is an exciting scheme, providing a great opportunity for external scientists and analysts from academia and industry to experience working in a fast moving, policy driven environment.
- You can become an integral part of the Defra team for up to one year and the projects available span the whole range of Defra's broad remit, including the potential to collaborate with some of our arms-length bodies.
- You'll be working in an interdisciplinary environment, building a network of science analysis and policy contacts and developing transferable skills that build on your own existing research experience and expertise.
- All of that while helping to tackle some of the biggest policy challenges that we face. As an R&D Fellow, you'll play a vital role in embedding the scientific and analytical thinking into the heart of government decision making.
- You'll be based within Defra’s core teams with opportunities to collaborate across our network of arms-length bodies and your work will contribute to a diverse portfolio of research and development, helping shape policy on some of the most urgent environmental, agricultural and security challenges facing the UK today.
- This programme is particularly well suited to early and mid-career researchers eager to explore how science and analysis can directly influence public policy.
- But we welcome applicants from experts, applications from experts at any career stage who are passionate about using their scientific or analytical knowledge to support decision making and innovation.
- So why join Defra? Our vision is to support is to support growth, restore nature and enhance security. We lead on England's environment from land and air to rivers and seas, biodiversity and ecosystem health, climate adaptation, the food and farming sectors and protection against natural threats and hazards.
- Our strategic objectives focus on passing on a protected and resilient natural environment, leading the world in sustainable food production and delivering world class public services including access to nature.
- We support national emissions to kick start economic growth, make Britain a clean energy superpower and build resilience across health, safety and opportunity. Our current priorities include restoring nature, reforming our water system, backing Britain's farming and food industry and resetting trading relationships, including with the EU.
- By joining us, you'll gain first-hand experience of how evidence is translated into policy, working in interdisciplinary teams and building a network across science, analysis and policy. You'll also develop valuable skills in communicating with diverse audiences, engaging with stakeholders and policy insights.
- So whether your future lies in research, policy or beyond. A Defra R&D Fellowship will empower you to use scientific and analytical evidence to address complex issues and contribute meaningfully to evidence-based policy.
- Thank you for your interest and we look forward to welcoming you to the team. Thanks.
Welcome to the Defra Fellowships Programme 2027-28
Professor Anjali Goswami
Director General for Science, Data and Analysis and Defra Chief Scientific Adviser
Director General for Science, Data and Analysis and Defra Chief Scientific Adviser
Webinar
If you would like to find out more about the programme, please join Defra’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Anjali Goswami, for a live online event on Thursday 3rd September from 09:45-10:30.
She will be joined by several early career scientists who have undertaken placements within Defra. Joining this event will give you an opportunity to find out more about working at Defra, and a chance to ask any questions.
You can register to attend this event here and joining instructions will be emailed to you.
Frequently Asked Questions can be viewed here.
“Defra is a great place to be a scientist with impact.”
Hear from some of our current fellows at Defra.
Patrick – Defra R&D Fellow
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- Patrick Cronin-Coltsmann – Defra R&D Fellow 2026-27
- I joined as an Analyst. My background is technical, with a PhD in Astronomy.
- The R&D Fellowship seemed like a good way to start to explore a career in the Civil Service.
- I've been able to bring my knowledge of modelling standards, good quality assurance, and all-around best practice to bear. Across my project, I've been involved in some of Defra's most crucial modelling work.
- I've felt welcomed and supported from day one. The Analytical Credibility Team has been a joy to work with!
- My role has included professional development in R, PowerBI and Project Management.
- In all, I've been able to greatly widen my appreciation for all the modelling that goes on in Defra and for the wider operations of government.
- It's been a great introduction to Civil Service life, and I feel well prepared to continue that journey.
- R&D Fellowships – Applications now open.
Rachel – Defra R&D Fellow
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- Hear from one of our current R&D Fellows: Rachel Lennon
- Tell us about your project at Defra?
- I'm in the Data Analysis and Science Hub, developing an automated approach to monitoring wild salmon populations across the UK.
- This work feeds into policy for fisheries management and environmental monitoring, shaping how conservation approaches are implemented.
- What will you take away from your experience at Defra?
- I developed and enhanced my skills in AI and machine learning, with direct application to real world monitoring.
- The opportunity to network with a diverse and brilliant team has really made this time at Defra exciting and has allowed me to build valuable connections across the department.
- R&D Fellowships – applications now open
Sara – Defra R&D Fellow
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- Sara Franco Ortega – Current R&D Fellow
- My background lies at the intersection of microbiology and plant sciences.
- I identify novel biocontrol methods, develop diagnostic tools, understand plant-pathogen interactions, investigate plant resistance mechanisms, and assess the responses and adaptive strategies of both plants and pathogens in complex environments.
- When the opportunity to become an R&D Fellow within Animal and Plant Health and Welfare arose, I was excited to explore a different side of the research ecosystem.
- I've always been driven by a strong interest in translating scientific knowledge and outcomes into positive societal influence or benefits.
- I've had the opportunity to engage with inspiring and supportive researchers, policymakers, and colleagues across government and public bodies.
- This experience has provided me valuable insight into how research and evidence are synthesized and translated into policy development and behavioural change initiatives.
- R&D Fellowships – applications now open.
Clemency – Defra R&D Fellow
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- From Ph.D to Policy – Clemency White
- My research looks into the interactions between sharks and the sounds of their environments.
- When I finished my PhD, I was undecided between a career in academia or moving into policy work.
- In the Marine and Fisheries Directorate, I've taken a lead role on a project that synthesises existing evidence to inform current policy objective within a brilliant team of people across government agencies, public bodies and universities.
- It's been an excellent opportunity to see how the government-science interface operates in practice.
- …make new connections, and apply my subject knowledge to make an impact.
- My experience has given me a real insight into how science and government work together. I'm equipped to move into the next stage of my career as a more well-rounded scientist, whether it is in the Civil Service or in academia.
- R&D Fellowships – applications now open