Institute for Policy
About the Institute
We connect our researchers with policymakers to share their insight on the issues that matter. We work with academic experts from across the university to create real impact by sharing advice and expertise.
Policy Mission Documents
In our Mission Documents, we provide a snapshot of how University of Leicester research can help inform the key missions set out by the Government. These documents highlight how the University’s work continues to support each Government mission, together key areas where our work is having policy impact.
Policy Impact in Research
Embedding policy into the lifecycle of research projects is one of our core priorities. By integrating policy from conception to dissemination, researchers can maximise impact and effectively respond to the most urgent needs of policymakers.
We support researchers to prioritise policy through collaborating on grant applications.
Policy events
We provide upskilling opportunities for the University of Leicester research community through our Policy Masterclass series. Our Masterclasses feature the expertise of internal and external speakers with experience influencing policy who provide key insights into policy engagement at multiple levels. Sign up to our mailing list to hear about future Masterclasses.
University of Leicester staff can also access resources on embedding policy into research projects via RApToR.
Meet the team
Our programme of work is led by a core team with experience and expertise in shaping policy, and is supported by the University of Leicester’s leading researchers across our Policy Hubs.
Professor Neil Chakraborti, Institute Director
Professor Neil Chakraborti is a globally renowned scholar within the fields of hate crime, policing and victimology. His body of work has broken new ground by generating evidence-based, impact-driven knowledge which shapes policy responses to pressing issues. He has been commissioned by numerous funding bodies including Amnesty International, the Economic and Social Research Council (EHRC), the Equality and Human Rights Commission and the Leverhulme Trust to lead ground-breaking research studies which have transformed policy. He holds a diverse range of advisory positions including roles with the British Society of Criminology, the Crown Prosecution Service, the Human Dignity Trust, the International Network for Hate Studies, Oxford University Press and Protection Approaches.
Learn more about Professor Neil Chakraborti
Dr Jack Willoughby, Policy Manager
Dr Jack Willoughby brings significant experience to the Institute for Policy from a variety of roles in academia, politics and policy. A PhD graduate and former Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Exeter, Jack has also had work published by Cambridge University Press. He has worked for multiple MPs, including the Minister for Science, Research and Innovation. Jack also has experience working for the Policy Research Unit in Westminster, and previously worked at the University of Leicester in the role of Public Affairs Officer.
Dr Catherine Parry, Policy Fellow
Dr Catherine Parry has a background in plant biology, holding a PhD in pollination ecology and remote sensing technologies from Imperial College London, and is published in several high-impact scientific journals. In addition to her research, she has experience in teaching and science communication, including as a Brilliant Club Tutor. Catherine joins the Institute for Policy from the Imperial Policy Forum, where she worked in stakeholder engagement and delivery of policy briefings across policy areas in health, technology and the environment.