Our BVS programme offers exciting opportunities for undergraduates – enabling them to undertake their first health data research projects. Here Ella Park tells us about the benefits of her BVS experience.

Tell us a little about yourself

I have just finished my second year of a BSc mathematics degree at University of Edinburgh. I have found I am really passionate about statistics as I believe it is a very real-world application of maths where I can use my mathematical abilities to help people. I am therefore switching to a mathematics and statistics degree.

While I was always interested in data analysis and in particular in healthcare, this project has really sparked a passion for health data science- particularly addressing unfairness to improve our current systems.

How did you hear about the BVS scheme?

I was sent the BVS project information by a lecturer at Edinburgh who forwarded the opportunity to all of us. Upon reading the project, it seemed like my dream internship combining two of my interests of health and data science.

I was also interested in applying as the application said if we weren’t successful it would give us feedback on our CV which I thought was really valuable.

What has your project involved?

My project is about assessing the fairness of the organ transplant waitlist and allocation system in particular liver transplants. Whilst I am in the early stages, I have still done so much – beginning with data procurement, which is an important skill in itself. This was been followed by researching existing literature.

Now I have moved on to doing initial data analysis in Python to identify areas of disparity and potential unfairness in the organ allocation system in both UK and US systems.

Why is this a valuable scheme?

The project has massively improved my technical skills in research, coding and data analysis whilst also enhancing my personal development in areas such as my confidence, independence and communication.

What are your hopes for the future?

I would like to continue with data science as a career probably in some sort of research whether that be in the form of a PhD or with a company. The BVS project has really highlighted my passion for research particularly in healthcare so if the opportunity for health data science career came available this would be something I would love to pursue.

All the skills I have learnt here will massively help not only improve my employability but I have also gained so many practical and transferrable skills which will really set me up for a career in data science and/or research.


This scholarship was sourced through the EPSRC Northern Health Futures (NortHFutures) Hub. NortHFutures aims to enhance health and wellbeing across the North East and North Cumbria (NENC) region of the UK.

The hub facilitates responsible research and innovation in healthcare technologies supported by inclusive digital skills sharing, training, and making connections.

It takes a people-centred approach and is committed to humanising health-tech by championing equity, participation, and investment across the region.

NortHFutures is proud to partner with HDR UK and host the BVS interns across our consortium, and showcase the incredible strength we have in health and life sciences, and data science, in the NENC region.