The UKRI What Works Innovation Fellowship – What Works to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) is now accepting applications from outstanding researchers who are passionate about generating evidence that influences public policy and improves lives. Hosted by the Youth Endowment Fund (YEF) and funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), this prestigious 18-month fellowship offers researchers the opportunity to lead innovative projects that strengthen evidence on preventing violence against women and girls across the United Kingdom.

The fellowship is one of three UKRI-funded What Works Innovation Fellowships and provides a unique opportunity to collaborate with government-backed What Works Centres, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners working to tackle one of society’s most pressing challenges.

If you are an experienced researcher with expertise in violence prevention, public policy, social research, or related disciplines, this fellowship offers the chance to shape national policy while contributing to cutting-edge research.

Application Deadline: 8 September 2026 (16:00 UK Time)

About the UKRI What Works Innovation Fellowship

The fellowship forms part of the Research & Development Missions Accelerator Programme funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Successful fellows will spend 18 months generating high-quality evidence, conducting innovative research, and supporting the launch of a National What Works Programme on Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls.

The three fellowships are hosted by:

• Youth Endowment Fund (YEF)
• Foundations – The What Works Centre for Children & Families
• College of Policing – What Works Centre for Crime Reduction

This opportunity specifically focuses on the fellowship hosted by the Youth Endowment Fund (YEF).

Fellowship Details

Host Organisation

Youth Endowment Fund (YEF)

Funding

Funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

Location

London, United Kingdom (Hybrid Working)

Start Date

4 January 2027

Duration

18 months

Interview Period

Week commencing 28 September 2026

Application Deadline

16:00 (UK Time), Tuesday 8 September 2026

About the Youth Endowment Fund

The Youth Endowment Fund was established in 2019 by children’s charity Impetus, supported by a £200 million endowment from the UK Home Office.

Its mission is to prevent children and young people from becoming involved in violence by identifying, testing, and promoting evidence-based interventions that make communities safer.

Purpose of the Fellowship

The selected fellow will support the Youth Endowment Fund in expanding the evidence base on preventing violence against women and girls (VAWG), particularly among young people.

The fellowship aims to strengthen national understanding of:

• Violence prevention strategies
• Evidence-based interventions
• Online harms affecting young people
• Technology-facilitated violence against women and girls
• Policy development
• Programme evaluation
• Research translation into practice

The successful fellow will also contribute to the creation of a National What Works Programme focused on preventing violence against women and girls.

What You Will Do

As a What Works Innovation Fellow at the Youth Endowment Fund, your responsibilities may include:

Lead Innovative Research Projects

You will design and lead research projects that address critical evidence gaps relating to violence against women and girls.

Particular focus areas include:

• Online abuse
• Technology-facilitated violence
• Youth violence
• Prevention interventions
• Emerging research priorities

Analyse National Data

You will collaborate with the Data and Insight Team to:

• Improve the annual Child Vulnerability and Violence Survey
• Analyse existing datasets
• Produce new evidence relevant to VAWG prevention

Conduct Evidence Reviews

The fellow will work closely with the YEF Toolkit Team to:

• Review international evidence
• Summarise research findings
• Produce practical guidance for practitioners and policymakers

Review Current Practice

You will examine violence prevention programmes across England and Wales to:

• Identify effective practices
• Inform programme development
• Improve evaluation frameworks

Support Secondary Data Projects

Responsibilities may also include:

• Managing commissioned research
• Supporting secondary data analysis
• Producing reports
• Translating findings into policy recommendations

Collaborate Nationally

The fellowship includes collaboration with:

• UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
• Cabinet Office Evaluation Task Force
• Other What Works Centres
• Universities
• Violence Against Women and Girls sector organisations
• National research partners

Benefits of the Fellowship

Successful applicants will receive the opportunity to:

• Lead nationally significant research
• Work with one of the UK’s leading evidence organisations
• Influence public policy
• Collaborate with government departments
• Build partnerships across academia and practice
• Strengthen research leadership skills
• Expand professional networks
• Produce impactful research outputs
• Help launch a national programme on preventing violence against women and girls
• Contribute to evidence that informs government decision-making

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must:

• Be employed by a UK organisation eligible for UKRI funding
• Hold a PhD or possess equivalent research experience
• Demonstrate strong methodological expertise
• Have relevant subject-matter expertise
• Be interested in violence prevention and evidence generation

The fellowship welcomes researchers at all career stages.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Competitive applicants will demonstrate:

• Strong research experience
• Expertise in violence prevention or related fields
• Excellent analytical skills
• Ability to conduct independent research
• Strong written communication
• Experience working collaboratively
• Interest in translating evidence into policy
• Commitment to improving outcomes for young people

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• A Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• An Application Statement

Each document should not exceed three pages, for a maximum submission of six pages.

Application Statement Questions

Your application statement should address:

1. Vision

Explain:

• What you hope to achieve during the fellowship
• Your research ambitions
• The impact you wish to create

2. Capability

Describe:

• Why you are the right candidate
• Relevant expertise
• Research experience
• Subject knowledge

3. Approach

Explain how you intend to:

• Co-design the fellowship with the Youth Endowment Fund
• Deliver meaningful research outcomes
• Collaborate effectively with stakeholders

Important Dates

Why You Should Apply

The UKRI What Works Innovation Fellowship offers far more than a traditional research position. Fellows become part of a national movement dedicated to improving evidence-informed policymaking around violence prevention.

Working alongside leading researchers, government agencies, universities, and practitioners, fellows will contribute to meaningful societal change while developing high-level research leadership experience.

If you are passionate about evidence, policy, social impact, and preventing violence against women and girls, this fellowship represents an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of violence prevention in the UK.

Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before 16:00 (UK Time) on Tuesday, 8 September 2026.

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