TOP-CAT HDR UK Black Internship

We successfully hosted two more interns as part of HDR UK’s Black Internship Programme this summer in the TOP-CAT team at Centre for Trials Research. Reflecting on their time in our clinical trials unit, here’s what Chichi and Alero said:

1) What have you been working on during your internship – and what was your favourite part?

Chichi:

During my internship, I worked on producing a training video focused on how researchers can use multimedia tools to improve the informed consent process in trials that use routinely collected patient data. My favourite part was taking part in the Public Advisory Group meeting. It was incredibly rewarding to see the hard work on my presentation pay off, to have people be receptive to my video idea, and to hear such thoughtful feedback.

Alero:

During my internship, I worked on creating training videos for researchers about protecting blinding in trials using health systems data. This involved scripting and developing clear content on what binding is, why it matters and the practical strategies that can help maintain it. I enjoyed meeting with the Public Advisory Group to hear their perspectives on the topic which added a valuable dimension to my work. I found it exciting to see how research can be enriched by direct engagement with the public.

2) What’s one thing you learned that surprised you or challenged your thinking?

Chichi:

I was surprised by how much time it takes to research and write a script, and how long the process of building a training video really is. It definitely made me think more about how much effort goes into creating the teaching materials I use myself. I also learned so much about accessibility, particularly around font sizes, colour contrast, and design choices. Through the research process for this video, I gained a much better understanding of accessibility preferences, and I’ll definitely take that into account when creating materials in the future to make sure they’re inclusive and user-friendly.

Alero:

One thing that surprised me was how much public involvement can shape the way research is carried out. Going into the internship, I thought of blinding mainly as a technical or methodological issue. But after hearing the Public Advisory Group’s thoughts, I realised just how important it is to explain these concepts in a way that participants can truly understand and how research is as much about communication and trust for the people involved as it is about accuracy and rigor.

3) What skills or experiences will you take forward from this internship?

Chichi:

This internship really helped me grow my time management and organisation skills. Normally, I can be a perfectionist and want everything to be polished before sharing it. At the start of the internship, I wanted everything to be flawless before showing it, but over time I became more comfortable with sharing drafts, receiving feedback, and improving collaboratively. Overall, It made me much more confident in managing my time and getting things done efficiently. I also developed new communication skills through the process of creating the training video. From writing and adapting a script, to thinking about accessibility, to seeing how educational content is produced behind the scenes. These are experiences I’ll definitely carry forward into future projects.

Alero:

This internship has completely reshaped how I think about and approach research. I have also considerably refined my communication skills especially in terms of adapting my style to suit different audiences. I believe this is a soft skill that is essential to have, and it is something I will carry with me into any future role.

4) How has this experience shaped your thinking about your future career or studies?

Chichi:

Before this internship, I didn’t really see a place for myself in research. I always thought of it as something I would have to do as part of being a doctor, rather than something I’d actively want to pursue. In my mind, research mostly meant working in a lab, which didn’t feel like the right fit for me. But through this internship, especially the opportunity to attend the SAPC conference, I’ve seen a completely different side to research. I really enjoyed exploring health data research, particularly looking at issues like informed consent and accessibility, and developing training resources that have real impact. Now I’d love to seek out more research opportunities during medical school and hopefully do it alongside clinical practice in the future.

Alero:

This experience has made me more open to research as a potential career path. Coming from a mostly technical background, I was not sure how I would perform in a research-intensive role. To my surprise, I found myself enjoying the process and it is given me confidence that I could thrive in research-based roles and has sparked my interest in pursuing similar opportunities in the future.

5) What advice would you give to future HDR UK interns – or to teams hosting them?

Chichi:

For future interns, I’d say: plan well. Know what you want to achieve each day and each week, and set yourself goals for the end of the internship. Also, make the most of all the opportunities available – if you’re given the chance to attend an event, go for it! For host organisations, I’d say that having a supportive relationship with your interns makes a huge difference. My managers were fantastic, and their encouragement really shaped my experience for the better.

Alero:

I’d say be strategic and intentional. The eight weeks go by faster than you expect, so setting a clear timeline with your manager and outlining weekly objectives can make a huge difference in staying on track and making the most of your time. For host teams, my advice would be to continue providing the kind of supportive environment I experienced-being open and willing to help when needed. That reassurance makes interns feel comfortable enough to learn, ask questions, and contribute meaningfully.