Gain research experience with expert supervisors through our NIHR-funded Summer Internship Programme.
The programme runs from June-September for MBChB Medicine students in Years 1-4, and you'll receive a bursary payment if you take part.
Each year, projects change to reflect emerging research priorities.
Previous internship projects have included:
This internship took place in Year 1 in the Anatomy Centre at ARU
Which research areas and skills did you have the opportunity to engage with?
During my internship at the ARU Anatomy Centre, I was involved in creating and documenting human prosections for use in anatomy teaching and research.
I gained experience in cadaveric dissection, prosections, anatomical photography, specimen documentation and the preparation of teaching resources including photographing and cataloguing the anatomy models available which were later used to create an online resource for students. I also had the opportunity to assist with donor preparation and supported anatomy teaching activities, including the Pathology ST1 Summer School.
Throughout the placement I worked closely with the anatomy team and developed a much better understanding of the ethical, legal and practical aspects of working with human donors.
What was the most rewarding aspect of your experience?
Having the opportunity to have so much one-on-one time working with human donors. It was a real privilege and gave me a huge appreciation for the generosity of people who donate their bodies to medical education.
Knowing that the prosections I helped create will continue to be used to teach future medical students made the experience incredibly worthwhile. It also gave me a much greater appreciation for the work behind the scenes that the technicians and lecturers do, to make the Anatomy Centre what it is.
How have your research experiences benefited you?
The internship helped me develop practical skills in documentation and anatomical photography, and it also gave me a huge amount of hands on dissection experience that I found really solidified my year's teaching. It strengthened my anatomical knowledge and showed me how research and teaching can directly improve medical education. The experience has also encouraged me to get involved in further research opportunities through the medical school.
What advice would you give to other students considering participating in research activities?
It was such a rewarding experience. My advice would be to go for it, ask questions, get involved in as much as you can and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. It was such a brilliant opportunity to develop new skills, meet people and see a different side of medicine.
This internship took place in Year 4 at Broomfield Hospital, Essex.
Which research areas and skills did you have the opportunity to engage with?
I engaged with research and audit on chemotherapy-related anaemia in solid cancer oncology patients at Broomfield Hospital, Mid and South Essex NHS Trust. I developed skills in data collection, Excel, Cancer Care, ICE, guideline review, and clinical data analysis.
What was the most rewarding aspect of your experience?
Seeing the data come together and identifying a meaningful gap in investigations after patients reached nadir. It was satisfying knowing the work had been submitted for presentation and could improve future oncology care.
How have your research experiences benefited you?
This experience improved my confidence in research, audit, Excel, NHS systems, and interpreting guidelines such as ESMO and the Cambridge chemotherapy-induced anaemia protocol. It showed me how research can identify gaps and support changes in patient care.
What advice would you give to other students considering participating in research activities?
I would encourage students to get involved early, especially in a specialty they enjoy. Ask consultants about audits or research, stay organised with data collection, learn the guidelines well, and use the opportunity to build skills, confidence, and connections.