About Us
Leeds Policy Institute (LPI) is a UK-based, student-led think tank affiliated with Leeds University Union, a registered UK charity. Established in April 2023, LPI is committed to producing empirically driven, non-partisan policy research that addresses both local and national challenges.
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Our research is supported using state of the art software provided by our sponsor Macrobond. We divide our research operations into six distinct policy areas each of which is supported by experts from our Academic Advisory Council.
Our Policy Areas
Studying employment, wages, and workforce participation across Britain
Mission & Governance:
Our mission is to engage the student body in meaningful and rigorous policy discourse. We do this through the publication of annual flagship research reports, policy briefs, and student-authored opinion pieces—some of which have been featured in major national publications such as the Financial Times. In addition to our written output, we host regular speaker panels and events that bring together professionals and thought leaders from across the political and policy spectrum. LPI aims to create an inclusive and intellectually vibrant space for students to explore policy and political issues. We empower students by:
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Encouraging critical engagement with current policy debates.
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Publishing blogs, op-eds, and academic research authored by students
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Providing opportunities to build marketable skills such as writing, data collection, and policy analysis.
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Fostering an open and supportive environment for discussion and debate.
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Exposing members to diverse perspectives through our wide-ranging events and speaker series.
Leeds Policy Institute is overseen by an elected student committee responsible for the day-to-day management of the organisation, as well as the implementation of its strategic vision and development of external partnerships. Elections are held annually, with all members eligible to vote. Committee members serve for one academic year. To support the integrity and accuracy of our research, LPI employs an Academic Advisory Council consisting of experts and professors based at the University of Leeds who review our yearly publications.
In addition to the committee, LPI benefits from the oversight of its Fellows Network—a group of experienced individuals who convene twice a year to review the committee’s performance, offer guidance, and ensure adherence to the Institute’s founding principles of rigour, impartiality, and public value.
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Through research, engagement, and education, Leeds Policy Institute remains dedicated to empowering students and contributing meaningfully to public policy discourse in the UK.