The national scheme recruits only around 30 doctoral researchers each year, making Ishani’s achievement particularly notable. The OIT is a cross‑government unit that collaborates with academic and industry experts to generate evidence-based ideas for policymaking. During the placement, Abeywardena is supporting the development of new policy initiatives while gaining first‑hand experience of how research informs decisions within government.
She describes the experience as “a valuable opportunity to understand how academic research can translate into real‑world impact,” noting that the insights gained will feed directly back into her doctoral work here at Bristol.
Ishani Abeywardena first learned about the placement through a message shared by former supervisor Dr Andy Collins. She credits additional support from Natalie Goodsir at PolicyBristol and Dr Daniella Jenkins, Senior Lecturer in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, as well as the wider PolicyBristol team.
The selection process involved a written online assessment followed by an interview. Once accepted, Abeywardena worked with her main supervisor, Mark Neild, along with the Faculty and the Visa Office, to arrange a formal three‑month pause to her studies.
Ishani believes the experience will have a significant long‑term impact on her career: “It has strengthened my ability to turn research into practical impact, work within government settings and engage effectively with policymakers. Experiencing cross‑government collaboration has given me invaluable insight into how departments work together.”