Research & Policy Intern - London, United Kingdom - The Academy of Medical Sciences

Description

The Academy of Medical Sciences and the Medical Research Council (MRC) are pleased to open applications to their policy internship scheme.

Under the scheme, MRC-funded PhD students will have the opportunity to undertake a 12 week policy internship at the Academy.

The scheme is designed to give students first-hand experience of the medical science policy and communications environment, to gain insights into how research can impact on policy, and to build valuable networks with the UK's most eminent medical scientists and key science and health stakeholders.

In brief, interns will be supported by a three-month extension to their PhD maintenance stipend. Interviews for this opportunity will be conducted remotely.

Successful candidates will be kept closely informed on any potential impacts on their internship period, and how these can be mitigated or managed.

Read more about the experience of PhD students on the Academy's internship scheme here.
Provide future researchers and academic leaders with a deeper understanding of medical science policy
Contribute to the exploration of medical science in its wider cultural context by helping to build bridges between the scientific community and policymakers
Develop a cadre of people able to work at the interface between medical science and policymaking

Allow students to build valuable contacts with senior scientists and policymakers, and expose them to the wide range of public, charitable and commercial organisations involved in UK medical science.

Provide opportunities for MRC-funded PhD students to develop valuable transferable skills and to enhance their CVs

The scheme is open to all MRC funded PhD students (based in a university, or MRC centre, unit or institute), including clinicians undertaking a PhD as part of their MRC Clinical Research Training Award, who will be in their third or fourth year of their PhD when their internship takes place.

The scheme can also be undertaken in the three month period immediately following the end of a student's MRC funding coming to an end.

Information about the candidate's MRC funding period and agreement to provide a three-month extension to the candidate's PhD maintenance stipend during his/her internship must also be provided by the appropriate administration office with signed approval of the budget holder.

For internships run in person, this should be an extension at the at the MRC minimum level for London. Remote internships should be continued at the candidate's current rate.

Placements on the scheme are allocated on a competitive basis so withdrawal from the scheme once a place is accepted is likely to result in another potential intern being denied the opportunity to participate.

For more info about the Academy of Medical Sciences and structure of the scheme please download the internship scheme summary.

A completed application form, including an endorsement and a supporting statement from their supervisor and relevant institutional administration office.

A short article, no more than 800 words in length, on a medical science policy topic. Students may choose a topic related to their PhD, an area of personal interest or select from the options below
Medical research in the NHS
Translating research into policy and practice
Scientific education and training (including women in science)
Big data' and its application in medical research

The article should highlight the main policy issues of the chosen topic and the implications for the key stakeholders who are required to make decisions in the area, which may include government, industry and/or funding organisations.

The article should demonstrate the candidate's ability to write in a style suitable for a policy (rather than academic) audience.

Queries should be directed to Angel Yiangou, Senior Policy Manager at the Academy, angel.