NIHR West Midlands Health & Care Professional Internship Programme

On this page…

Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) Research & Innovation (R&I) Department, with the support of our regional partners, has been awarded the prestigious NIHR West Midlands Health and Care Professional Internship Programme.

Led by Dr Andrew Finney, NIHR Senior Research Leader (Nursing) at MPFT and Reader in Nursing Research at Keele University, the programme will support 23 interns per year across the West Midlands, working in collaboration with regional NHS Trusts, Higher Education Institutions, and other partners.

This fully funded internship provides health and care professionals with the skills, experience, and confidence to take their first steps – or their next steps – in research, helping to improve services and patient outcomes.

Who can apply for the internship programme?

The internship is open to all registered health and social care professionals (excluding doctors and dentists) working within the West Midlands. Applicants must be registered with one of the following regulatory bodies, or have plans in place to secure registration by the proposed start date:

Academy for Healthcare Science
General Chiropractic Council
General Optical Council
General Osteopathic Council
General Pharmaceutical Council
Health and Care Professions Council
Nursing and Midwifery Council
Social Work England
UK Public Health Register

You do not need prior research experience to apply – just an interest in research, a commitment to professional development, and the support of your employer.

Dr Andrew Finney, NIHR Senior Research Leader (Nursing) at MPFT and Reader in Nursing Research at Keele University

How is the programme structured?

Interns can choose one of four development pathways, each tailored to different stages of research experience and career development:

Stepping into Research – For those completely new to research, offering foundational knowledge and skills.
Growing in Research – For those with some research experience looking to build on existing skills and confidence.
Leadership in Research Delivery – For professionals aiming to take on more responsibility in leading and influencing research delivery.
Clinician/Academic Leadership in Research – For those looking to combine clinical expertise with academic leadership, supported by expert supervision.

What does the programme offer to interns?

Up to 30 days of funded research support and training
Salary backfill to your employer for the 30 days you are on the programme
A bespoke internship schedule tailored to your needs
Observational and experiential research shadowing
A dedicated mentor and/or supervisor
The opportunity to work on or propose an achievable research project
Support to develop a research proposal or funding application

How do I apply for the programme?

We're excited to share that applications are now open! Click here to complete your form and take the next step!

In the meantime, sign up for our information webinar to find out more. This online session will provide an overview of the programme, its pathways, and the support available.

Date: Thursday 18 September 2025

Time: 12noon – 1:00pm

Click here to register for the MPFT Internships Webinar on MS Teams

Images of a range of staff stood in front of the Research Bus

Key dates

Applications open: 3rd September 2025
Information webinar: 18th September 2025 at 12:00pm-1:00pm
Applications close: 31st October 2025 at 5pm
Shortlisting: November 2025
Interviews: December 2025
Cohort 1 start: 19th January 2026
Cohort 1 Welcome event: January 2026
Cohort 1 end: 31st August 2026
Celebratory event for Cohort 1: 15th September 2026

Contact details

For further information or questions about the programme, please email NIHRInternships@mpft.nhs.uk.

NIHR West Midlands Health & Care Professional Internship Programme

On this page…

Who can apply for the internship programme?

How is the programme structured?

What does the programme offer to interns?

How do I apply for the programme?

Key dates

Contact details

More in this section

Our Team

Getting Involved

Evaluation

Secondments

Events

Training

STARS - The Research and Education Programme

Useful links

NIHR West Midlands Health & Care Professional Internship Programme

On this page…

Who can apply for the internship programme?

How is the programme structured?

What does the programme offer to interns?

How do I apply for the programme?

Key dates

Contact details

More in this section

Our Team

Getting Involved

Evaluation

Secondments

Events

Training

STARS - The Research and Education Programme

Accessibility tools