Black Leaders in Diabetes Internship Scheme

We have launched a new pilot summer internship! We want to address the low representation of diabetes researchers from Black backgrounds in the UK and catalyse the next wave of future Black leaders.

Key information

• Purpose of this internship: To give experience of undertaking research within the field of diabetes in the UK to science undergraduates from Black backgrounds and to encourage them to consider a career in scientific research.

• Career level: Science undergraduates in their penultimate or final year or a current Masters degree related to science or a recent science graduate (within the last three years).

• Duration: 6 weeks June-August 2025

• Student salary: Based on the Real Living Wage

• Deadlines for applications: There are two separate application forms for the supervisor and student.

  • Supervisor applications deadline: 1 October 2024 (opens on 2 September)

  • Student applications deadline:  12 January 2025 (opens on 15 November)

Students

Benefits of undertaking this Internship

• You will gain hands-on experience, knowledge and skills from expert researchers in your chosen research area in the diabetes field all of which can enhance your CV.

• You will gain support in your postgraduate studies with the aim of encouraging a career in research.

• You will have the opportunity to network with university staff who can provide a reference or recommendation letter for your future applications.

• You will receive expert mentorship and helpful advice for your career path from your sponsor.

• If you are shortlisted, you will have an opportunity to attend mock interviews and receive feedback which will enable you to acquire skills to perform better at future graduate level recruitment competitions.

Eligibility criteria

• Students must have UK nationality and have ‘Home’ tuition fee status.

• Students must be UK domiciled and self-identify as being from a Black background, including a mixed background, for example: Black British, Black Welsh, Black African, Black Caribbean, Black Other and Mixed Black background.

• Students should be registered on a science undergraduate or Masters degree in the UK and at the point of application should be in their penultimate or final year of the course. Recent science graduates (within the last three years) who would like to pursue scientific research in diabetes would also be eligible.

• Please contact the office at research@diabetes.org.uk to check your eligibility if you are an allied healthcare professional and would like to pursue a diabetes related research project.

How to apply

• Register your interest in applying by completing the registration form.

• Students will need to register and log on to the Windsor Fellowship Portal.

• Complete all sections of the application form.

If you have any queries or would like support at any stage of the application process, we strongly encourage you to contact us at research@diabetes.org.uk  and we will be happy to give you advice and guidance on preparing your application. Please contact Windsor Fellowship if you have any queries on the application form and the portal.

Sponsors

Eligibility criteria

• The research must take place at an established research institution in the UK.

• Sponsors will have a tenured post or will be in a post at the institute whilst the student completes their internship.

• Sponsors will require permission from the institute to host the student.

• Sponsors will commit to provide supervision, training and mentorship to the student.

• The research areas need to be focused on diabetes or its complications but does not need to be focused specifically on health issues impacting the Black population.

How to apply

• Log on to the Diabetes UK grants management system.

• Complete all sections of the online application form.

• All applications must have one lead sponsor and one co-sponsor who are located at the host institute.

• Applications from junior sponsors should include a senior sponsor who has a track record in internship supervision and is based at the same UK institute as the junior researcher.

If you have any queries about the scheme or application form please contact us at research@diabetes.org.uk.

Financial support for students and sponsors

• A student salary based on the Real Living Wage and where the Host institute is located (managed by Windsor Fellowship).

• A research allowance of £300 to cover any laboratory consumables.

Application process

• Sponsor applications will be reviewed by the Office and Advisory Panel.

• Student applications will be made to the Windsor Fellowship portal. In the applications, students will be asked to list two sponsors/projects of their choice.

• Student applications will be reviewed for eligibility and shortlisted for interviews.

• Shortlisted students will be invited to mock interviews organised by Windsor Fellowship before they are formally interviewed by sponsors. This will provide students the opportunity to test graduate recruitment tools, including presentations and competency-based interview techniques, to prepare them for their future interviews.

• Students will be matched to their indicated choices of sponsors/projects where possible.

• Sponsors will then interview their preferred candidates.

Funding decisions

Funding decisions will be made by the Office and the Advisory Panel. Assessment will be based on the strength of the student’s:

• personal statement

• interview performance and feedback from the sponsor

Interns will be supported by the Windsor Fellowship to transition into the internship, with support for sponsors also provided.

Post-award administration

Students and sponsors will be notified of the outcomes within a week of the final funding decisions. Please refer to the timeline below. Feedback letters will be sent to all students (successful and unsuccessful) within two weeks of the final funding decision. Unsuccessful students and sponsors can reapply to the scheme and guidance to students can be provided.

Timeline

Please contact research@diabetes.org.uk  if you require any further information.