How the UK government can support research
The UK government can improve both the economy and people’s health by investing in research. Our manifesto for science outlines three priorities for an incoming government – and why they matter.
Influencing policy change
We work with partners worldwide, including governments, funders, commercial organisations, civil society and affected communities to advocate for evidence-based action that supports research and improves health.
Why we influence policy
To achieve our mission, we need to influence governments and policymakers to take action. Creating the conditions for change is critical to ensuring science and research thrive and policies work for affected people and communities.
We use our independence to advocate for research to unlock discovery and solutions in health, translate evidence into policy recommendations and remove barriers to the implementation of solutions.
Policy areas we work in
We advocate for advancements that support research and improve health across Discovery Research, Climate and Health, Infectious Disease and Mental Health. This includes cross-cutting issues that provide a foundation for progress, such as global health financing.
Wellcome Policy Lab provides a space to experiment with creative approaches to the policy processes we use and the products we create.
Examples of our work:
Antimicrobial resistance: it’s time for global action
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of our greatest public health threats. We need collective, evidence-based action to control the escalating burden of drug-resistant infections. Find out about Wellcome's work on AMR.
Our impact
Our advocacy work has directly impacted health nationally and globally – from improving the world’s pandemic preparedness and response, to supporting UK research to thrive through association to Horizon Europe.
Our work with partners informs policy and practice – for example, supporting Africa CDC to develop and implement a leadership programme to train policymakers on mental health.
UK in Europe
We worked with EU institutions, the UK government, the research sector and others to achieve an outcome from the post-Brexit negotiations that allows research to thrive in the UK and Europe. This included ensuring the UK rejoined Horizon Europe, the world's largest research collaboration programme.
Climate and Health
We make the case for governments to take physical and mental health into account in climate policy. Our work with partners at COP28 supported the growth of the climate and health movement and raised the political profile of health amongst the climate community.
Future of Global Health Initiatives (FGHI)
We facilitated the FGHI process to bring together governments, global and regional health organisations, research institutions and civil society to mobilise action for a more equitable and effective global health architecture. This culminated in the launch of the Lusaka Agenda.
Reports and briefings
Our policy reports and briefings provide evidence on key health issues and make the case for change informed by science and the communities most affected.
Our team
Policy
Paul Spencer
Head of Policy, Mental Health
Wellcome
Government Relations and Strategic Partnerships
Megan Challis
Associate Director, Government Relations and Strategic Partnerships
Wellcome
Silaja Birks
Interim Head of Strategic Partnerships
Wellcome
William Hall
Head of Global Government Relations
Wellcome
Diana Peters
Head of European Government Relations / Head of Office
Wellcome