Policy Internship Scheme 2026/27

We are welcoming applications for policy internships to take place in 2026/27. Our policy internship scheme is open to all UK-based PhD students who have access to funding via their PhD programme to undertake an internship.

MRC-funded applicants should apply via our specific AMS/MRC internship scheme.

Our policy internship is designed to give 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. You can read more about what our previous policy interns have worked on and gone on to do in our case study booklet.

Applications are welcomed for 12-week internships taking place from July 2026 to June 2027. Applications will be considered as they come in.

About the Academy of Medical Sciences

The Academy of Medical Sciences is the independent, expert voice of biomedical and health research in the UK. Our elected Fellows are the UK's leading medical scientists from hospitals, academia, industry and the public service.

Our vision is good health for all supported by the best research and evidence.

Our mission is to help create an open and progressive research sector to improve the health of people everywhere.

Our strategy for focuses on the following strategic priorities.

1. Influence policy and practice to improve the lives of patients, the public and communities
2. Support UK biomedical and health research to strengthen its global competitiveness and reputation
3. Support the next generation of researchers to reach their full potential
4. Work with our partners to increase the Academy's impact on global health
5. Build our resources to ensure our long term independence and effectiveness

Job description

The Academy's policy work addresses issues of medical science, healthcare and biomedical careers. This work can take many forms: major reports, shorter position papers, seminars and workshops, correspondence, representation on Government and external panels, evidence to Parliamentary committees, private meetings and roundtables with key decision makers.

During the 12-week internship, students will be involved in a variety of activities that will give them experience of many aspects of medical science policy and related activities. This will include one or more discrete projects led by the intern. The range of activities may include:

• Writing, editing, proofreading and referencing policy papers, e.g. responses to public consultations, papers and summaries for working groups, Council or Officers meetings.
• Desk based research and scoping, e.g. preparing project proposals or undertaking literature reviews.
• Evidence gathering and preparation, e.g. preparation of contacts lists, drafting calls for evidence, collating and summarising evidence.
• Events organisation, e.g. preparing conference materials, helping to co ordinate activities on the day.
• Attending (virtual) internal and external events, e.g. Parliamentary Select Committees, working group meetings, and lectures.
• Opportunities to observe policy professionals in other organisations.

We believe that 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

The scheme is open to all UK-based PhD students (based in a university or institute), including clinicians undertaking a PhD as part of their Clinical Research Training.

In order to be eligible, interns must have access to either:

• a three month extension to their PhD maintenance stipend, or
• funding for a three month placement integral to the programme .

MRC-funded applicants should apply via our specific AMS/MRC internship scheme.

The scheme can also be undertaken in the three month period immediately following the end of a student's PhD funding coming to an end. For example, if your funding ends in April, May or June 2026, you would be able to participate in the July 2026 to September 2026 placement. However, you would not be able to participate in any subsequent placements.

Location of internship

The Academy is based in central London and operates a hybrid working policy. Interns are encouraged to attend the office at least one day a week, and for occasional internal and external events. For interns based outside of London, we would anticipate that they would need access to funds to come to the Academy offices from time to time during their internships. We are open to discussing arrangements on a case by case basis.

Timing of Internship

The 2026/27 internship scheme will run four times: from July 2026 - September 2026, October 2026 - December 2026, January 2027 - March 2027 and April 2027 - June 2027.

Application process

To apply, candidates are asked to supply the following:

• An application form, including an endorsement and a supporting statement from their supervisor and an endorsement by the Programme sponsor (the PhD Programme Director). Download application form.
• A short covering letter briefly describing their reasons for application.
• A CV.
• A short article, of no more than 800 words in length, on a medical science policy topic.

Applications should be submitted electronically and must be received by COP 11 May 2026. Interviews will be conducted on week commencing 25 May 2026.

Please direct further questions to Jessamyn Briers:

If you experience any technical difficulties with the form, please get in touch with Camelia Avramescu, People Assistant: .

Placements on the scheme are allocated on a competitive basis so withdrawal from the scheme once a place is accepted is likely to result in another potential intern being denied the opportunity to participate.