Bringing research, policy and practice together in the heart of the City of London
Applications open on Monday 6th July 2026 for residencies commencing in October 2026.
The Practitioner in Residence Programme, run by the School of Policy & Global Affairs (SPGA) in conjunction with the Finsbury Institute, connects leading practitioners and policymakers with researchers, students and university partners to address the challenges shaping the future of the City of London, the UK and beyond.
Located right in the heart of the City at Finsbury Square, the Finsbury Institute serves as a bridge between academic expertise and real-world decision-making. Our Practitioner in Residence Programme, housed in the Institute, is designed to strengthen that bridge further by bringing accomplished professionals and practitioners into the University's intellectual community while connecting research more directly with the needs and realities of policy and practice.
Practitioners in Residence can join us for a flexible period of between three and six months, commensurate with their research needs, to develop projects, explore new ideas, share expertise and build collaborations that generate tangible impact to take back into their organisations and professional communities.
Our only stipulation is that the initiative you seek to progress is relevant to some aspect of the City in its broadest sense. This could mean using the time to delve deeper into relevant data, devise a solution to a sectoral challenge, or work with academic experts to explore issues shaping the future of business, practice and the professions, developing evidence-informed solutions with real-world impact.
Whether working in public policy, financial services, regulation, local government, social innovation, sustainability, technology or other City-based professions, our Practitioners in Residence help ensure that our School’s work remains connected to the opportunities and challenges facing one of the world's leading centres of commerce and public life.
Did you know?
About the Finsbury Institute
The Finsbury Institute exists to foster meaningful exchange between universities, the City of London and wider UK and global policy-making arenas.
We bring together researchers, policymakers, business leaders, civic organisations and professional communities to explore shared challenges, develop evidence-based solutions and create new opportunities for collaboration.
Our support for the SPGA Practitioner in Residence Programme enhances this mission by:
- Bringing contemporary professional expertise into the University.
- Connecting academic research with real-world policy and practice.
- Supporting the development of evidence-informed decision-making.
- Creating opportunities for collaboration across sectors.
- Enhancing students' understanding of professional and civic leadership.
- Building partnerships that contribute to the economic, social and civic life of London.
- Generating insights that can inform debate at local, national and international levels.
What We Offer
Practitioners in Residence will receive:
- Access to a community of researchers in the SPGA working on issues relevant to the future of cities, institutions, economies and society.
- Affiliation with the Finsbury Institute and its growing network of academic and external partners.
- Access to the School campus, including a shared workspace and the opportunity to collaborate with staff and students on a daily basis.
- Library access and selected university resources.
- Training for media appearances and podcasting.
- Expenses for travel, accommodation and guest teaching (if appropriate, in line with City St George’s financial procedures).
- A platform for developing a significant project, partnership or piece of thought leadership.
- Opportunities to engage with the wider networks of the City of London and its institutions.
What We Are Looking For
We are seeking practitioners who can bring fresh perspectives, practical expertise and influential networks into the University community.
Applicants might come from:
- Government and public policy.
- Financial and professional services.
- Local government and civic institutions.
- Regulation and public affairs.
- Technology and innovation.
- Sustainability and climate leadership.
- Charities and social enterprises.
- Think tanks and research organisations.
- Cultural and civic organisations.
We welcome applications from individuals at all career stages, from rising leaders to established experts.
What We Expect
A residency should leave a lasting legacy for both the practitioner and the University.
Each Practitioner in Residence will:
- Work with a designated academic host.
- Develop and deliver an agreed programme of activity.
- Contribute to the intellectual life of the School and the Finsbury Institute.
- Participate in discussions that connect research, policy and practice.
- Deliver at least one student-facing activity, such as a masterclass, mentoring session or skills workshop.
- Contribute to at least one public event, roundtable or policy discussion.
- Produce at least one agreed output with practical value beyond the residency – to be supported and disseminated by the Finsbury Institute.
Outputs might include:
- Policy briefings.
- Collaborative publications.
- Evidence submissions.
- Industry reports.
- Partnership initiatives.
- Public engagement programmes.
- Executive education content.
- Practice-based research projects.
Practitioners will also be expected to serve as ambassadors for the Finsbury Institute and support the development of lasting relationships between the University and external organisations.
We look forward to hearing from you.
How to apply
Please send a one-page expression of interest and a CV, saved together in one PDF file, to both Georgios and Diana using their email addresses below.
The expression of interest should explain why you want to take part in the scheme and what you intend to work on during the programme.
Please note that applications close at 11.59 pm on Friday 18 September.