The Academy of Medical Sciences is welcoming applications for its open policy internship scheme in 2025/26. Our policy internship is designed to give PhD 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.
This internship builds on over ten years of experience of running internships at the Academy and broadens access to a wider range of PhD students.
We are looking to work with PhD funders, HEIs, DTPs or research institutes to offer UK-based PhD students the opportunity to join the Academy’s policy team for a three-month internship to gain insights into how research can impact on policy, develop new skills in communication and influencing, and build valuable networks with the UK’s most eminent medical scientists.
Read on for more details and the link to apply.
The Internship
The Academy will host PhD students for a varied and fulfilling three-month internship, most likely during the penultimate or final year of their PhD. Interns will receive one-to-one line management, a tailored workplan and will directly contribute to the work of the Academy’s policy team.
In turn, 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
We anticipate that any UK-based PhD students in their third or fourth year (working in any discipline) would be eligible for the programme1, provided that they:
• have access to a three-month extension to their stipend from their PhD funder/DTP; or
• Funding for a 3-month placement integral to the programme (covering travel and relocation expenses)
The Academy
The Academy has over ten years of experience in running successful policy internship schemes for PhD students. We offer a high-quality learning experience in an influential policy team. Case studies from former interns are available online.
As hosts for interns, the Academy commits to offering successful applicants:
• Line management and guidance.
• Entry and exit interviews.
• Compelling workplan tailored to the current work of the Academy and the interests of the intern.
• Review and feedback of the documents produced and activities conducted by the intern.
• Regular meetings with members of the Policy team and the Academy’s wider staff.
• Opportunities to engage with Academy Fellows, awardees, policymakers and policy staff in other organisations.
Partner organisations
The internship is open to students from relevant disciplines to enable them to gain relevant medical science policy experience. As part of the Academy’s commitment to the internship programme we provide all line management and support for the intern during their three months. We also anticipate running a competitive selection (See details below).
Therefore, we anticipate that the expectation of partner organisations (i.e. the funder or PhD host institution) would be limited to:
• Providing written support for the candidate’s application.
• Confirmation that the candidate has access to a three-month/12 week stipend extension
for the duration of their internship.
• Providing access to a travel or relocation bursary according to the needs of the intern.
In addition, partner organisations are invited to disseminate adverts for prospective applicants.
In turn, the Academy would be able to provide feedback and regular reporting to partner organisations as required.
Applications, Selection and Timeframes
The Academy will run a selective recruitment process on an annual basis, with internship slots available at three-month intervals: April- Jun; July-Sept; Oct-Dec; Jan-Mar.
The application schedule will run in early 25, with the following schedule:
• 6 Jan: open applications for a 4-week period
• Interviews in the week commencing 17 February
• Decision by end-February
• First placement beginning in April 25
As part of the application, applicants would be expected to provide:
• Completed online application form (including support from primary academic supervisor
and course administrator/equivalent)
• CV
• Covering statement
• Short essay on a science policy topic of their choice
After shortlisting, candidates will be invited to an online interview by Academy staff.
Application portal
https://apply.workable.com/academy-of-medical-sciences/j/815A740DFF/