Policy Internship Scheme

The Academy of Medical Sciences is the independent, expert voice of biomedical and health research in the UK.

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.

• We support researchers with innovative funding and career development opportunities.
• We help create a more sustainable environment for delivering outstanding research.
• We help researchers to work with academia, the public, charities, policy makers, health and social care partners, and industry to make the greatest difference to health.

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

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

You can read more about our strategy 2022-2032 here 

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.

We are accepting completed applications for internships from January-March 2025.

 Successful applicants will be called to attend a interview.

Requirements

The Academy of Medical Sciences is welcoming applications for policy internships to take place in 2024/25.

Successful applicants will join the Academy’s close-knit and influential policy team for 12 weeks (three months) to contribute to a wide range of our activities. They will receive one-to-one line management, a tailored workplan and will gain valuable transferable skills for careers both within and outside academic research.

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.*

To apply, candidates are asked to supply the following, which must be submitted in pdf format:

• 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 at [email protected]

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

If you experience any technical issues with the form please get in touch with Camelia Avramescu (HR Assistant), at [email protected].

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview with a selection panel of Academy staff.

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.