There are real opportunities for researchers in the arts and humanities to inform, persuade and build partnerships with policy makers. As part of its commitment to supporting academics in exploring the wider impact of their research, the AHRC is working in partnership with the Institute for Government to provide a training programme for Early Career Researchers.

The Engaging with Government programme is a three day course which will take place in February 2014 and is designed to provide an insight into the policy making process, and help participants develop the skills needed to  pursue the policy implications of their research. It also aims to build links between policy makers and the most dynamic new research in the arts and humanities. We are inviting eligible researchers to submit an application to attend the course.

The programme will:

• Encourage you to see opportunities where your own research could make a valuable contribution in a public policy context
• Challenge you to think in more depth about the policy process, and the role of research within it
• Increase the influencing and communication skills that you need to achieve this.

At the point of application, you must be either: 

• Within eight years of the award of your PhD or equivalent professional training,

 Or

 • Within six years of your first academic appointment2.

In addition, you must have received AHRC funding for your research (this can include grants which have been awarded but not yet started). The funding can have been received at any time in your career but must have been awarded on a competitive basis to undertake a research project or programme, examples include:

• Doctoral study

• Research grant (through responsive mode or strategic routes) and you could be/could have been the Principal applicant or Co-Applicant

• Research Leave or Fellowship funding.

The course is also open to ECRs who are currently, or have been previously, employed in a research post on an AHRC-funded award.

Further information at  http://www.ahrc.ac.uk/Funding-Opportunities/Pages/Engaging-with-Government.aspx