Edinburgh Napier colleagues are invited to consider applying for the next cohort of Parliamentary Thematic Research Leads (TRLs), delivered by the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) in partnership with UK Research and Innovation. The programme will run from April 2027 to March 2029.
Strengthening the connection between Parliament and the research community
Thematic Research Leads (TRLs) play a key role in ensuring that high-quality, peer-reviewed research is accessible to parliamentarians and to the policy, research and analysis staff who support them. By providing robust and reliable evidence, TRLs contribute directly to Parliament’s core functions, including scrutinising government, debating issues of national importance and shaping legislation that influences public policy and everyday life.
TRLs are researchers who spend three days a week embedded in Parliament while retaining their substantive academic post for the remainder of the time. They work within policy relevant teams across the House of Commons and House of Lords and are part of a wider network facilitated by POST’s Knowledge Exchange Unit.
The purpose of the role is to enhance the use of research evidence and expertise in Parliament through effective knowledge exchange, collaboration and well designed processes.
Each TRL leads on a specific policy area and contributes through three main activities:
- Strategic support for evidence to help shape how research is produced and communicated for parliamentary use
- Strengthening the research and innovation landscape to encourage effective knowledge exchange between Parliament and the research community
- Sharing insights across policy areas as part of the wider TRL network
Eligibility at a glance
The TRL roles are open to researchers who can demonstrate strong subject expertise and a commitment to supporting evidence informed policy. Applicants should:
- Hold an academic or research post at a UK institution
- Be able to balance three days a week in Parliament with existing responsibilities
- Show experience or interest in knowledge exchange or policy engagement
- Communicate research clearly to non specialist audiences
- Work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders
These criteria are designed to be inclusive. You do not need to be a policy specialist to apply. The key requirement is the ability to bring high-quality research insight into a parliamentary setting.
TRL roles available for 2027 to 2029:
Aligning well with theme strengths across Edinburgh Napier’s Schools and research centres, POST and UKRI are recruiting TRLs in the following key areas:
- AI, Digital and Technology
- National Security and Resilience
- Infrastructure, Planning and Land Use including Clean Energy Industries
- Health and Life Sciences
- Education, Children and Young People
- Criminal Justice
- Place Based Economic Growth
Is this the right opportunity for you
You may wish to explore this role if you are:
- Interested in a new challenge
- Looking to broaden your experience beyond your day to day academic work
- Keen to combine a hybrid parliamentary role with your existing responsibilities
TRLs gain valuable experience in policy engagement, strategic communication and research impact. The programme also offers opportunities to build national networks and contribute to areas of significant public interest.
Information session, 9 June 2026
1pm – 2:30pm
If you would like to learn more before applying, an online information session is available to help you decide whether a TRL role is right for you.
The session will be useful for potential applicants, for knowledge mobilisers who support researchers, and for senior colleagues who want to understand the value and benefits of endorsing a TRL application.
The session will:
- Explain how TRLs support the use of research evidence in Parliament
- Include insights from current TRLs about the role and its impact
- Share UKRI’s perspective on the strategic importance of the programme
- Offer practical advice for applying and answer your questions
- By the end, you will have a clearer sense of whether the TRL role is a good fit and how to prepare a strong application.
Register for the information webinar >
Application deadline and further information
Applications close at 11.55pm on Sunday 9 August 2026
For further information, including the application questions, guidance notes and frequently asked questions, please visit the TRL programme webpage. This page provides full details on the roles, the recruitment process and the supporting documents you will need to prepare a strong application.