ARIs are the strategic questions which are expected to inform government’s policies in the coming years. They are updated sporadically and you can find them on each government department’s webpage or in this searchable database: Areas of Research Interest (ARIs). More recently, local and regional governments have introduced ARIs as a way of signalling their policy challenges and areas where research engagement is welcomed.

Why are they worth engaging with?

Government departments that publish and update ARIs are actively seeking academic collaboration and input to ground policies in the latest research. They are a chance to co-create research with government for increased real world impact. There may be funding attached to some ARIs and occasionally the department can offer a letter of support for research funding bids. They are useful to quote in research funding bids to show you have considered potential policy impact.

How to use

Search the database of Areas of Research Interest (ARIs) from UK governmental bodies to see how your research could help solve government problems and inform policy. Use the information to co-design research with a government department or add policy relevance to a funding application. Email the contact listed with your relevant research or any questions.

For regional ARIs: Read all the info from the local authority in the links and get in touch if you think a collaboration or submitting research is relevant. There may not always be funds attached to ARIs.