MetroPolis Launches New Film Showcasing the Chancellor’s Fellowship Scheme

We are excited to share a new short film introducing the Chancellor’s Fellowship scheme and highlighting how it supports researchers to connect their work with real-world policymaking. The video captures reflections from current and past Fellows, as well as policy partners, on how the scheme provides a structured, supportive space for academics to apply their expertise to live policy challenges.

The film emphasises the crucial role of policy engagement in achieving research impact. Contributors describe how the Fellowship gives researchers dedicated time away from day-to-day responsibilities, enabling them to work directly with policymakers, refine how they communicate their evidence and ensure their insights reach the right audiences.

The video also shows how the Fellowship helps bridge the gap between academic research and policy environments. Policy partners discuss the value of having researchers embedded in their teams, strengthening dialogue, improving understanding and helping to build robust evidence bases that can influence long-term decision-making.

Senior University leaders present the Fellowship as a key element of Manchester Met’s commitment to research with real-world impact, offering researchers the time and focus needed to shape meaningful policy outcomes.

“These fellowships are really important. As part of our Road to 2030 strategy, we talk about excellence in research with impact, and this scheme is a fantastic way for researchers to make that impact a reality.”

Professor Nick Brook, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research at Manchester Metropolitan University

This new film offers an accessible introduction to the Fellowship and demonstrates how the scheme is helping to build a stronger, more evidence-informed policy landscape and can be viewed here.