An internship programme to help talented Black health data scientists flourish in STEM careers
Tackling underrepresentation within health data science and providing motivated candidates with an opportunity to expand their knowledge and gain experience
Working together to transform prospects
The UK has an urgent need for new health data scientists. It’s a rapidly expanding field with the recognised potential to transform the future of health and care for all.
With the UK Health Data Research Alliance and the 10,000 Black Interns Foundation, we are committed to continuing to deliver the HDR UK Black Internship Programme.
The programme is championed in the Medical Research Council’s Strategic Delivery Plan 2022-25 as a way to develop a diverse research and technical workforce with the skills to address today’s innovation challenges. We continue with our aim to tackle the underrepresentation of Black people within health data science.
Interested in hosting an intern?
Contact us at blackinternprog@hdruk.ac.uk with any questions, or register your interest in getting involved and we’ll be in touch.
Want to learn more about what to expect and the support available to you?
We invite organisations to find out more about hosting interns. Book a meeting to find out more about how to pledge to take on an intern, what you can gain from the experience plus the impact of the programme since its inception in 2020.
What we offer to host organisations
- Operational support before, during and after an internship cycle
- Longlist of candidates selected by programme team based on organisation specifications for hosts to shortlist for interview
- Support mentors for interns and mentoring guidance
- Co-ordinate and manage cohort-wide training programmes and activities
- Highlight the impact from the programme and provide communications toolkits
- Develop and deliver networking events for all involved in the programme
- Access to our large talent pool and alumni to promote relevant career opportunities from your organisation
What we ask from host organisations
- Submit a pledge form outlining skills and logistics requirements,
- Pay interns the Real Living Wage for London as a minimum,
- Reimburse interns for their travel expenses for the opening and closing ceremonies,
- Obtain organisational permission to host interns,
- Carry out interviews & provide candidate feedback
- Conduct Right To Work in the UK checks
- Create an 8-week health data project for your intern(s)
Dates for the Black Internship Programme 2026
- Pledge deadline: January 2026
- Recruitment windows: February and March 2026
- Opening ceremony: Wednesday 24 June 2026
- Internships: Monday 29 June – Friday 21 August 2026
- Closing ceremony: Wednesday 26 August 2026
If you have any further questions or you’d like to find out more, please contact us or register your interest in getting involved.
Impact of our internships
Learn more about how you’ll be making a difference by getting involved in the programme.
Host organisations for our 2026 programme
We are pleased to work with organisations in health data across a wide range of sectors including academic, charities, civil service, industry and the NHS.
Meet our Advisory Group
Interested in supporting the programme?
You can contact us directly or register your interest below, and we’ll be in touch to discuss how you’d like to get involved.
Looking for details on the Health Data Science Black Internship Programme, or how to apply?
Visit our programme page, which has details about the programmes currently available.
