East of England NIHR Health and Care Professional Internship Programme

The new NIHR Health and Care Professional (HCP) Internship Programme has increased eligibility and scope as part of the NIHR Academy’s expanded portfolio.

This programme will;

Provide three years of funding at a regional level (three one-year cohorts)
Provide tailored learning and development to registered health and care professions (not including doctors and dentists)
Support individuals across the full range of research related career aspirations
Develop collaborative partnerships and networks between organisations at a regional level
Embed a positive and inclusive research culture within health and care services.

A graphic with four boxes in different colours on it. In each box there is a line of text - 1. Stepping into research 2. Growing into research 3. Research delivery leadership 4. Clinican/ Practitioner academic leadership

The NIHR HCP Internship for the East of England is hosted by the James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust with the University of East Anglia and Anglia Ruskin University as the Primary Academic Partners.

Promotional webinars and internship information, including live Q&A and FAQs

Please see below for links to webinars and our Frequently Asked Questions document

Webinar 1

Watch the meeting recording from Wednesday 3rd September 2025 on YouTube here

Webinar 2

Watch the meeting recording from Monday 8th September 2025 on YouTube here

For more information please view

East Of England NIHR HCP Internship Programme FAQs

Programme aims

Programme pathways

A graphic which has four boxes on it, giving the information in the text below.

The internship supports flexible entry depending on experience and aspirations, structured around four progressive levels:

1. Stepping into Research

Ideal for those new to research, this pathway introduces foundational research concepts, national training resources (e.g. NIHR Learn), and how research improves care quality and outcomes.

2. Growing into Research

Supports deeper understanding of integrating research into daily practice, through activities such as literature reviews, shadowing, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training.

3. Research Delivery Leadership

Designed for those with prior research exposure, this pathway includes opportunities to shadow senior researchers, attend ethics panels, and engage in research management and infrastructure.

4. Clinician/Practitioner Academic Leadership

Targeted at those considering formal academic research careers. Interns will be supported in research design, methods, academic development, and career planning.

A graphic which says 'What level do I need to be to apply?' with a grey arrow pointing to the right with three blue dots on. The dots each have a line of text - the first is 'I have no understanding, experience or research skill at all' the second is 'I am interested and have some awareness but I am not sure what to do next' and the third is ' I would like to apply for a PhD at some point'.

What is available through this award?

Interns will have access to a wide range of resources, experiences and support, including:

Tailored learning & development plans
Formal learning: Webinars, workshops, short courses (face-to-face & online)
Bespoke placements: Opportunities across clinical trials units, academic institutions, research parks, and more
Mentorship & supervision: One-to-one guidance from experienced clinical academics, researchers, and practitioners
Peer support & alumni network: A strong community of practice for networking, collaboration, and shared learning
Career conversations: Individualised guidance on career progression and academic opportunities
Academic credit opportunities: e.g. credit-bearing modules such as UEA’s Research Practice Portfolio
Specialist opportunities may include: Global Health Research Training, Public and Patient Involvement & Engagement (PPIE), Writing for Publication Support, NIHR Learn, MOOCs, Cambridge BRC PPIE Virtual Training, Access to evaluation, QI and research scholarship programmes.

Eligibility & Funding

Where can I find out more?

Alternative offers

Applications are now closed for the latest programme

Please see below for timescales.

A table giving dates for the programme - including applications close on Friday 17 October 2025 , that successful applicants should hear week commencing 24 November 2025 and that there will be compulsory workshops on Thursday 8, Monday 12 and Thursday 15 January 2026.

For application support please contact -

Mehar Shiju

Deputy Programme Director - EoE NIHR HCP Internship. Research and Evaluation Associate - James Paget University Hospital

Email

eoeNIHRinternship@jpaget.nhs.uk

Meet the team

Meet the core team

Our EoE HCP partnership is made up of a number of organisations; hosted by The James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, with primary academic partnership from the University of East Anglia and Anglia Ruskin University.

The core team are:

Current collaborator group partners