We are welcoming applications for policy internships to take place in 2025/26. Our policy internship scheme is open to all UK-based PhD students* who have access to funding via their PhD programme to undertake an internship.

* MRC-funded applicants should apply via our specific AMS/MRC internship scheme.

Our policy internship is designed to give students first-hand experience of the medical science policy 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. You can read more about what our previous policy interns have worked on and gone on to do in our case study booklet.

Applications must be submitted via our recruitment portal by 5 PM on Monday 3 February 2025.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview with a selection panel of Academy staff in the week commencing 17 February 2025.

About the Academy of Medical Sciences

The Academy of Medical Sciences is the independent, expert voice of biomedical and health research in the UK. Our elected Fellows are the UK’s leading medical scientists from hospitals, academia, industry and the public service.

Our vision is good health for all supported by the best research and evidence.

Our mission is to help create an open and progressive research sector to improve the health of people everywhere.

Our strategy for 2022-2032 focuses on the following strategic priorities.

Influence policy and practice to improve the lives of patients, the public and communities
Support UK biomedical and health research to strengthen its global competitiveness and reputation
Support the next generation of researchers to reach their full potential
Work with our partners to increase the Academy’s impact on global health
Build our resources to ensure our long-term independence and effectiveness

Requirements

Job description

The Academy’s policy work addresses issues of medical science, healthcare and biomedical careers. This work can take many forms: major reports, shorter position papers, seminars and workshops, correspondence, representation on Government and external panels, evidence to Parliamentary committees, private meetings and roundtables with key decision makers.

During the 12-week internship, students will be involved in a variety of activities that will give them experience of many aspects of medical science policy and related activities. This will include one or more discrete projects led by the intern. The range of activities may include:

· Writing, editing, proofreading and referencing policy papers, e.g. responses to public consultations, papers and summaries for working groups, Council or Officers meetings.

· Desk-based research and scoping, e.g. preparing project proposals or undertaking literature reviews.

· Evidence gathering and preparation, e.g. preparation of contacts lists, drafting calls for evidence, collating and summarising evidence.

· Events organisation, e.g. preparing conference materials, helping to co-ordinate activities on the day.

· Attending (virtual) internal and external events, e.g. Parliamentary Select Committees, working group meetings, and lectures.

· Opportunities to observe policy professionals in other organisations.

We believe that the policy internship at the Academy of Medical Sciences will:

Provide future researchers and academic leaders with a deeper understanding of medical science policy.
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 PhD students to develop valuable transferable skills and to enhance their CVs.

Eligibility

The scheme is open to all UK-based PhD students* (based in a university or institute), including clinicians undertaking a PhD as part of their Clinical Research Training.

In order to be eligible, interns must have access to either:

· a three-month extension to their PhD maintenance stipend, or

· funding for a three-month placement integral to the programme*.

* MRC-funded applicants should apply via our specific AMS/MRC internship scheme.

The scheme can also be undertaken in the three month period immediately following the end of a student’s PhD-funding coming to an end. For example, if your funding ends in April, May or June 2025, you would be able to participate in the July 2025 to September 2025 placement. However, you would not be able to participate in any subsequent placements.

Location of internship

The Academy is based in central London and operates a hybrid working policy. Staff and interns are encouraged to attend the office at least one day a week, and for occasional internal and external events. For interns based outside of London, we would anticipate that they would need access to funds to come to the Academy offices from time to time during their internships. We are open to discussing arrangements on a case-by-case basis.

Timing of Internship

The 2025/26 internship scheme will run four times: from April 2025 – June 2025, July 2025 – September 2025, October 2025 – December 2025, and January 2026 – March 2026.

Application process

To apply, candidates are asked to supply the following, which must be submitted in pdf format by 5 PM on Monday 3 February 2025:

An application form, including an endorsement and a supporting statement from their supervisor and an endorsement by the Programme sponsor (the PhD Programme Director). Download application form.
A short covering letter briefly describing their reasons for application.
A CV.
A short article, of no more than 800 words in length, on a medical science policy topic.

Please direct further questions to Laura Schlepper: laura.schlepper@acmedsci.ac.uk

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.

Academy of Medical Sciences

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Policy Internship Scheme 2025/26