UKRI What Works Innovation Fellowship 2026–2027: Join the Youth Endowment Fund to Help Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls

<p data-start="135" data-end="699">The <strong data-start="139" data-end="244">UKRI What Works Innovation Fellowship – What Works to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)</strong> is now accepting applications from outstanding researchers who are passionate about generating evidence that influences public policy and improves lives. Hosted by the <strong data-start="413" data-end="443">Youth Endowment Fund (YEF)</strong> and funded by <strong data-start="458" data-end="495">UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)</strong>, this prestigious <strong data-start="514" data-end="537">18-month fellowship</strong> offers researchers the opportunity to lead innovative projects that strengthen evidence on preventing violence against women and girls across the United Kingdom.</p> <p data-start="701" data-end="975">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&#8217;s most pressing challenges.</p> <p data-start="977" data-end="1212">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.</p> <p data-start="1214" data-end="1272"><strong data-start="1214" data-end="1272">Application Deadline: 8 September 2026 (16:00 UK Time)</strong></p> <h1 data-section-id="1ncbr2z" data-start="1279" data-end="1328">About the UKRI What Works Innovation Fellowship</h1> <p data-start="1330" data-end="1465">The fellowship forms part of the <strong data-start="1363" data-end="1420">Research &amp; Development Missions Accelerator Programme</strong> funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).</p> <p data-start="1467" data-end="1687">Successful fellows will spend <strong data-start="1497" data-end="1510">18 months</strong> generating high-quality evidence, conducting innovative research, and supporting the launch of a <strong data-start="1608" data-end="1686">National What Works Programme on Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls</strong>.</p> <p data-start="1689" data-end="1725">The three fellowships are hosted by:</p> <ul data-start="1727" data-end="1879"> <li data-section-id="mkpqeo" data-start="1727" data-end="1755">Youth Endowment Fund (YEF)</li> <li data-section-id="g97rsn" data-start="1756" data-end="1817">Foundations – The What Works Centre for Children &amp; Families</li> <li data-section-id="2kyb1d" data-start="1818" data-end="1879">College of Policing – What Works Centre for Crime Reduction</li> </ul> <p data-start="1881" data-end="1982">This opportunity specifically focuses on the fellowship hosted by the <strong data-start="1951" data-end="1982">Youth Endowment Fund (YEF).</strong></p> <h1 data-section-id="ew8pul" data-start="1989" data-end="2009">Fellowship Details</h1> <p data-start="2011" data-end="2032"><strong data-start="2011" data-end="2032">Host Organisation</strong></p> <p data-start="2034" data-end="2060">Youth Endowment Fund (YEF)</p> <p data-start="2062" data-end="2073"><strong data-start="2062" data-end="2073">Funding</strong></p> <p data-start="2075" data-end="2118">Funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)</p> <p data-start="2120" data-end="2132"><strong data-start="2120" data-end="2132">Location</strong></p> <p data-start="2134" data-end="2173">London, United Kingdom (Hybrid Working)</p> <p data-start="2175" data-end="2189"><strong data-start="2175" data-end="2189">Start Date</strong></p> <p data-start="2191" data-end="2205">4 January 2027</p> <p data-start="2207" data-end="2219"><strong data-start="2207" data-end="2219">Duration</strong></p> <p data-start="2221" data-end="2230">18 months</p> <p data-start="2232" data-end="2252"><strong data-start="2232" data-end="2252">Interview Period</strong></p> <p data-start="2254" data-end="2287">Week commencing 28 September 2026</p> <p data-start="2289" data-end="2313"><strong data-start="2289" data-end="2313">Application Deadline</strong></p> <p data-start="2315" data-end="2360"><strong data-start="2315" data-end="2360">16:00 (UK Time), Tuesday 8 September 2026</strong></p> <h1 data-section-id="1m5ep69" data-start="2367" data-end="2399">About the Youth Endowment Fund</h1> <p data-start="2401" data-end="2551">The Youth Endowment Fund was established in 2019 by children&#8217;s charity <strong data-start="2472" data-end="2483">Impetus</strong>, supported by a <strong data-start="2500" data-end="2550">£200 million endowment from the UK Home Office</strong>.</p> <p data-start="2553" data-end="2736">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.</p> <h1 data-section-id="caihap" data-start="2743" data-end="2770">Purpose of the Fellowship</h1> <p data-start="2772" data-end="2952">The selected fellow will support the Youth Endowment Fund in expanding the evidence base on <strong data-start="2864" data-end="2918">preventing violence against women and girls (VAWG)</strong>, particularly among young people.</p> <p data-start="2954" data-end="3014">The fellowship aims to strengthen national understanding of:</p> <ul data-start="3016" data-end="3256"> <li data-section-id="1kviuci" data-start="3016" data-end="3048">Violence prevention strategies</li> <li data-section-id="10u8gvl" data-start="3049" data-end="3079">Evidence-based interventions</li> <li data-section-id="5j2t08" data-start="3080" data-end="3117">Online harms affecting young people</li> <li data-section-id="ctdox7" data-start="3118" data-end="3175">Technology-facilitated violence against women and girls</li> <li data-section-id="11xtqt7" data-start="3176" data-end="3196">Policy development</li> <li data-section-id="l2el2a" data-start="3197" data-end="3219">Programme evaluation</li> <li data-section-id="wabzel" data-start="3220" data-end="3256">Research translation into practice</li> </ul> <p data-start="3258" data-end="3411">The successful fellow will also contribute to the creation of a <strong data-start="3322" data-end="3355">National What Works Programme</strong> focused on preventing violence against women and girls.</p> <h1 data-section-id="1ghuzi2" data-start="3418" data-end="3436">What You Will Do</h1> <p data-start="3438" data-end="3535">As a What Works Innovation Fellow at the Youth Endowment Fund, your responsibilities may include:</p> <h2 data-section-id="1s5zqi1" data-start="3537" data-end="3573">Lead Innovative Research Projects</h2> <p data-start="3575" data-end="3699">You will design and lead research projects that address critical evidence gaps relating to violence against women and girls.</p> <p data-start="3701" data-end="3732">Particular focus areas include:</p> <ul data-start="3734" data-end="3857"> <li data-section-id="1csuptz" data-start="3734" data-end="3748">Online abuse</li> <li data-section-id="1ivx0qi" data-start="3749" data-end="3782">Technology-facilitated violence</li> <li data-section-id="stwdra" data-start="3783" data-end="3799">Youth violence</li> <li data-section-id="jcgveg" data-start="3800" data-end="3826">Prevention interventions</li> <li data-section-id="4wu519" data-start="3827" data-end="3857">Emerging research priorities</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="c5dfae" data-start="3864" data-end="3888">Analyse National Data</h2> <p data-start="3890" data-end="3945">You will collaborate with the Data and Insight Team to:</p> <ul data-start="3947" data-end="4086"> <li data-section-id="1x845ig" data-start="3947" data-end="4007">Improve the annual Child Vulnerability and Violence Survey</li> <li data-section-id="cg393r" data-start="4008" data-end="4035">Analyse existing datasets</li> <li data-section-id="ozw6dw" data-start="4036" data-end="4086">Produce new evidence relevant to VAWG prevention</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="19h53p7" data-start="4093" data-end="4120">Conduct Evidence Reviews</h2> <p data-start="4122" data-end="4180">The fellow will work closely with the YEF Toolkit Team to:</p> <ul data-start="4182" data-end="4307"> <li data-section-id="1a6shvf" data-start="4182" data-end="4213">Review international evidence</li> <li data-section-id="15hhaz1" data-start="4214" data-end="4243">Summarise research findings</li> <li data-section-id="1ifq4ip" data-start="4244" data-end="4307">Produce practical guidance for practitioners and policymakers</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="z9pbal" data-start="4314" data-end="4340">Review Current Practice</h2> <p data-start="4342" data-end="4418">You will examine violence prevention programmes across England and Wales to:</p> <ul data-start="4420" data-end="4513"> <li data-section-id="jsxn61" data-start="4420" data-end="4450">Identify effective practices</li> <li data-section-id="1ynn5au" data-start="4451" data-end="4481">Inform programme development</li> <li data-section-id="18jh097" data-start="4482" data-end="4513">Improve evaluation frameworks</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="1umfio6" data-start="4520" data-end="4554">Support Secondary Data Projects</h2> <p data-start="4556" data-end="4590">Responsibilities may also include:</p> <ul data-start="4592" data-end="4732"> <li data-section-id="b9ne9l" data-start="4592" data-end="4624">Managing commissioned research</li> <li data-section-id="10r3qov" data-start="4625" data-end="4661">Supporting secondary data analysis</li> <li data-section-id="en6lxm" data-start="4662" data-end="4681">Producing reports</li> <li data-section-id="27u8m3" data-start="4682" data-end="4732">Translating findings into policy recommendations</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="1bmx4ng" data-start="4739" data-end="4764">Collaborate Nationally</h2> <p data-start="4766" data-end="4809">The fellowship includes collaboration with:</p> <ul data-start="4811" data-end="5012"> <li data-section-id="187kkdp" data-start="4811" data-end="4846">UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)</li> <li data-section-id="1fs16mw" data-start="4847" data-end="4885">Cabinet Office Evaluation Task Force</li> <li data-section-id="1lh0css" data-start="4886" data-end="4912">Other What Works Centres</li> <li data-section-id="10gwr6y" data-start="4913" data-end="4927">Universities</li> <li data-section-id="8a15jp" data-start="4928" data-end="4983">Violence Against Women and Girls sector organisations</li> <li data-section-id="as3qz6" data-start="4984" data-end="5012">National research partners</li> </ul> <h1 data-section-id="11z80a3" data-start="5019" data-end="5047">Benefits of the Fellowship</h1> <p data-start="5049" data-end="5103">Successful applicants will receive the opportunity to:</p> <ul data-start="5105" data-end="5575"> <li data-section-id="1fkit3v" data-start="5105" data-end="5143">Lead nationally significant research</li> <li data-section-id="om1b2j" data-start="5144" data-end="5202">Work with one of the UK&#8217;s leading evidence organisations</li> <li data-section-id="1uqipss" data-start="5203" data-end="5228">Influence public policy</li> <li data-section-id="f8iioa" data-start="5229" data-end="5270">Collaborate with government departments</li> <li data-section-id="19wke3t" data-start="5271" data-end="5320">Build partnerships across academia and practice</li> <li data-section-id="1lmxnc4" data-start="5321" data-end="5360">Strengthen research leadership skills</li> <li data-section-id="1xne0tk" data-start="5361" data-end="5391">Expand professional networks</li> <li data-section-id="orb8xm" data-start="5392" data-end="5428">Produce impactful research outputs</li> <li data-section-id="10c6omg" data-start="5429" data-end="5510">Help launch a national programme on preventing violence against women and girls</li> <li data-section-id="1fyexgv" data-start="5511" data-end="5575">Contribute to evidence that informs government decision-making</li> </ul> <h1 data-section-id="vutqy9" data-start="5582" data-end="5598">Who Can Apply?</h1> <p data-start="5600" data-end="5616">Applicants must:</p> <ul data-start="5618" data-end="5883"> <li data-section-id="1cr8a2g" data-start="5618" data-end="5678">Be employed by a UK organisation eligible for UKRI funding</li> <li data-section-id="36wk7q" data-start="5679" data-end="5733">Hold a PhD or possess equivalent research experience</li> <li data-section-id="1eot7kh" data-start="5734" data-end="5779">Demonstrate strong methodological expertise</li> <li data-section-id="1duvpoa" data-start="5780" data-end="5820">Have relevant subject-matter expertise</li> <li data-section-id="1wfrz3a" data-start="5821" data-end="5883">Be interested in violence prevention and evidence generation</li> </ul> <p data-start="5885" data-end="5946">The fellowship welcomes researchers at <strong data-start="5924" data-end="5945">all career stages</strong>.</p> <h1 data-section-id="ztqdbx" data-start="5953" data-end="5978">Ideal Candidate Profile</h1> <p data-start="5980" data-end="6020">Competitive applicants will demonstrate:</p> <ul data-start="6022" data-end="6342"> <li data-section-id="154se8s" data-start="6022" data-end="6050">Strong research experience</li> <li data-section-id="9vi91m" data-start="6051" data-end="6103">Expertise in violence prevention or related fields</li> <li data-section-id="10a044m" data-start="6104" data-end="6133">Excellent analytical skills</li> <li data-section-id="y9ftgq" data-start="6134" data-end="6175">Ability to conduct independent research</li> <li data-section-id="uh2nz0" data-start="6176" data-end="6206">Strong written communication</li> <li data-section-id="iskaov" data-start="6207" data-end="6243">Experience working collaboratively</li> <li data-section-id="1xtkw4l" data-start="6244" data-end="6290">Interest in translating evidence into policy</li> <li data-section-id="156r6jo" data-start="6291" data-end="6342">Commitment to improving outcomes for young people</li> </ul> <h1 data-section-id="1bb5iuo" data-start="6349" data-end="6375">Application Requirements</h1> <p data-start="6377" data-end="6400">Applicants must submit:</p> <ul data-start="6402" data-end="6454"> <li data-section-id="16bgvfz" data-start="6402" data-end="6427">A Curriculum Vitae (CV)</li> <li data-section-id="je2ec8" data-start="6428" data-end="6454">An Application Statement</li> </ul> <p data-start="6456" data-end="6547">Each document should not exceed <strong data-start="6488" data-end="6503">three pages</strong>, for a maximum submission of <strong data-start="6533" data-end="6546">six pages</strong>.</p> <h1 data-section-id="17wm04" data-start="6554" data-end="6587">Application Statement Questions</h1> <p data-start="6589" data-end="6631">Your application statement should address:</p> <h3 data-section-id="fvu271" data-start="6633" data-end="6646">1. Vision</h3> <p data-start="6648" data-end="6656">Explain:</p> <ul data-start="6658" data-end="6764"> <li data-section-id="jt8of2" data-start="6658" data-end="6706">What you hope to achieve during the fellowship</li> <li data-section-id="c1dy88" data-start="6707" data-end="6732">Your research ambitions</li> <li data-section-id="4c73ka" data-start="6733" data-end="6764">The impact you wish to create</li> </ul> <h3 data-section-id="1bnbqcq" data-start="6766" data-end="6783">2. Capability</h3> <p data-start="6785" data-end="6794">Describe:</p> <ul data-start="6796" data-end="6892"> <li data-section-id="1590vdj" data-start="6796" data-end="6829">Why you are the right candidate</li> <li data-section-id="1tsje6i" data-start="6830" data-end="6850">Relevant expertise</li> <li data-section-id="tsbr2n" data-start="6851" data-end="6872">Research experience</li> <li data-section-id="1wbt5hi" data-start="6873" data-end="6892">Subject knowledge</li> </ul> <h3 data-section-id="16bmr1p" data-start="6894" data-end="6909">3. Approach</h3> <p data-start="6911" data-end="6937">Explain how you intend to:</p> <ul data-start="6939" data-end="7078"> <li data-section-id="14crpxf" data-start="6939" data-end="6995">Co-design the fellowship with the Youth Endowment Fund</li> <li data-section-id="1bx4ted" data-start="6996" data-end="7034">Deliver meaningful research outcomes</li> <li data-section-id="xaytub" data-start="7035" data-end="7078">Collaborate effectively with stakeholders</li> </ul> <h1 data-section-id="1bqljif" data-start="7085" data-end="7102">Important Dates</h1> <div class="TyagGW_tableContainer"> <div class="group TyagGW_tableWrapper flex flex-col-reverse w-fit" tabindex="-1"> <table class="w-fit min-w-(--thread-content-width)" data-start="7104" data-end="7321"> <thead data-start="7104" data-end="7123"> <tr data-start="7104" data-end="7123"> <th class="last:pe-10" data-start="7104" data-end="7115" data-col-size="sm">Activity</th> <th class="last:pe-10" data-start="7115" data-end="7123" data-col-size="sm">Date</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody data-start="7145" data-end="7321"> <tr data-start="7145" data-end="7206"> <td data-start="7145" data-end="7166" data-col-size="sm">Applications Close</td> <td data-col-size="sm" data-start="7166" data-end="7206"><strong data-start="7168" data-end="7204">8 September 2026 (16:00 UK Time)</strong></td> </tr> <tr data-start="7207" data-end="7257"> <td data-start="7207" data-end="7220" data-col-size="sm">Interviews</td> <td data-start="7220" data-end="7257" data-col-size="sm">Week commencing 28 September 2026</td> </tr> <tr data-start="7258" data-end="7296"> <td data-start="7258" data-end="7278" data-col-size="sm">Fellowship Begins</td> <td data-start="7278" data-end="7296" data-col-size="sm">4 January 2027</td> </tr> <tr data-start="7297" data-end="7321"> <td data-start="7297" data-end="7308" data-col-size="sm">Duration</td> <td data-col-size="sm" data-start="7308" data-end="7321">18 Months</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> </div> <h1 data-section-id="1e5g22m" data-start="7328" data-end="7350">Why You Should Apply</h1> <p data-start="7352" data-end="7572">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.</p> <p data-start="7574" data-end="7780">Working alongside leading researchers, government agencies, universities, and practitioners, fellows will contribute to meaningful societal change while developing high-level research leadership experience.</p> <p data-start="7782" data-end="7999">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.</p> <p data-start="8001" data-end="8123">Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before <strong data-start="8074" data-end="8122">16:00 (UK Time) on Tuesday, 8 September 2026</strong>.</p> <p data-start="8001" data-end="8123"><a href="https://impetus.peoplehr.net/Pages/JobBoard/Opening.aspx?v=718843f8-9877-4166-94d6-27582f625dac" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Apply Here</strong></a></p> <p data-start="8001" data-end="8123">For more information, visit <a href="https://youthendowmentfund.org.uk/careers/ukri-what-works-innovation-fellowship-what-works-to-prevent-vawg-perpetration/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>official website</strong></a></p> <p data-start="8001" data-end="8123">Discover more global fellowship opportunities on OFY, <a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/?s=fellowship" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>VISIT HERE</strong></a></p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/07/13/ukri-what-works-innovation-fellowship-2026-2027-join-the-youth-endowment-fund-to-help-prevent-violence-against-women-and-girls/">UKRI What Works Innovation Fellowship 2026–2027: Join the Youth Endowment Fund to Help Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>