The award was presented to HDR UK at a gala evening at Porchester Hall by Irish comedian Jason Byrne with recognition that the campaign had established a sense of belonging for all.

HDR UK’s programme, run in partnership with the UK Health Data Research Alliance and 10,000 Black Interns, is helping to tackle the underrepresentation of Black people within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers by providing opportunities to work on health data science projects with some of the UK’s leading health, research and academic organisations.

With minimal budget, and creative use of comms tools and channels, HDR UK successfully attracted Black scientists and host organisations to the scheme while raising awareness of the under-representation in the sector.

By partnering with community TV stations and healthcare podcasters, the interns and host organisations were able to share their story globally, further promoting the programme.

In total, 384 people applied for a 2022 internship, of which 80 were selected for a placement with one of the 44 host organisations that participated in the programme.

Every single participant said they would recommend the programme to others, and more than 232 prospective interns have already registered interest for the 2023 programme along with 27 new host organisations pledging over 50 positions.

Helen Dunne, Owner of CorpsComms Magazine, said: “The judges felt this was a campaign that achieved real, tangible results, and was clearly encouraging young Black scientists to explore the area of health data science as a potential career where once they might not have even considered the subject.”

Sarah Cadman, Programme Director for Capacity Building at HDR UK, said: “We are so delighted that the incredible work of our comms colleagues and interns in showcasing the impact of our Black Internship programme has been recognised in this way.”

Amanda White, Director of Communications and Policy for HDR UK, said: “Our communications campaign for the Black Internship Programme was a whole team effort and the results really demonstrate the value of partnership working. As a charity with limited budget for our communications, it’s fantastic to be recognised through this award.”

To register your interest in becoming an intern, read our eligibility criteria and submit an application by 9 January 2023.

To register your interest in becoming a host, read more about the programme and complete this 2-min pledge form by 27 January 2023.

The internship will be for 8-weeks from Monday 3 July – Friday 25 August 2023.

Image:  Temi Ibitoye, 2022 intern at NHS National Services Scotland, at the awards ceremony.