Arthritis Research UK has awarded funding for a new graduate internship programme, led by the University of Southampton in conjunction with four other international research institutions renowned for Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Diseases (RMDs) Universities of Leeds, Oxford, Salford and the West of England, Bristol.
The Arthritis Research UK internship scheme aims to bring together experts in allied health and nursing to develop the next generation of rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease researchers and clinical specialists.
Successful interns will get first-hand experience working on a research project of their choice, which will be hosted at a participating institution. Projects are specific to the promotion of musculoskeletal health and are underpiNned by public health principles. Previous projects included:
• Internet based training to increase specific exercises for patients with rheumatoid arthritis of the hand.
• An investigation into the facilitators and barriers for people with joint pain and with lower levels of health literacy in accessing on-line digital self-management information.
• A systematic review: Which biopsychosocial factors are associated with patellofemoral pain?
Six places are available for this 8-week scheme which runs between July and August each year (2017-2018)
If you are a recent graduate or final year student in Occupational Therapy, Podiatry, Physiotherapy or Nursing with either a predicted or a first or upper class second class degree.
If you are accepted onto the scheme, you will:
• Receive supervision and mentoring in research skills from some of the UK’s leading nurse and allied health researchers
• Use state-of-the-art equipment and evidence-based effective practice
• Be involved in a self-contained research study and data collection process
• Experience the research governance process
• Participate in multi-professional seminars and workshops.
The placements are unpaid but each intern will receive £1000 towards costs.
For further information about the Internship scheme and how to apply please contact Project Manager Mary Fry (MSc)
Via email M.L.Fry@soton.ac.uk
"This prestigious scheme will open up a whole new network of world leading researchers to our interns. Past interns have benefitted from a more rapid career progression in clinical research than their peers. The benefits of linking research with clinical experience is invaluable to ensure people with arthritis receive the best care"
The governance of the programme is overseen by University of Southampton’s world renowned podiatrist Professor Catherine Bowen.
“Many new graduates just aren’t aware that clinical academic career pathways exist, with this grant from Arthritis Research UK we want to be able to attract a new generation of young graduate stars, from the wider health professions, who will be right at the patient interface and be able to translate academic research into clinical practice.”
University of Leeds
University of the West of England
University of Salford Manchester
University of Southampton
University of Oxford
"The internship has completely changed my outlook on research and my future career goals"
“I am now even more motivated to establish a career in research”
“I have been shown an entirely new and exciting career path. I would like to thank Arthritis Research UK for this fantastic opportunity”
“Training days at all of the universities involved in the scheme provided a great insight into different research methodologies, and were a fantastic introduction to research at a graduate level”
“As well as the project itself, the internship provided me with copious opportunities to gain experience and knowledge about the research environment and process"
“This internship has opened up a whole new world and I have been privileged to meet some inspirational researchers and made some new friends in my fellow interns”
