Dr Helen Oakes a Physiotherapist at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust (EKHUFT) who recently completed her PhD with the University and Dr Paula Kuzbit, Associate Head Undergraduate Nursing, have been awarded prestigious National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) funding to host two undergraduate research internships at the University.

The NIHR works in partnership to fund, enable and deliver world-leading health and social care research through partnership with patients, service users, carers, and other stakeholders in different communities.

Their NIHR Undergraduate Internship Programme (UIP) aims to engage and attract students from underrepresented professions in the early stages of their academic studies to consider a career in health and social care research. Giving them hands-on experience and opportunities to learn more about a career in research in an area or discipline they are interested in pursuing.

The interns will be mentored by Professor Doug MacInnes, Professor David Stephensen and Dr Toni Wright, with supervision from Dr Oakes and Dr Kuzbit. They will have the chance to work closely on ongoing research projects, gaining practical skills, insights, and experience. Two interns will undertake a flexible eight-week placement supporting Dr Oakes’ physiotherapy research and prepare her post-doctoral research proposal. Dr Helen Oakes is a Physiotherapist at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust (EKHUFT) and recently completed her PhD with the university.

Professor Stephensen, Professor of Applied Clinical Research, said: “These esteemed NIHR internships in collaboration with East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust are pivotal in attracting, training, and supporting the best researchers to tackle the complex health and care challenges of the future and reflects our commitment at the University to nurturing young talent.”

Professor Christopher Burton, Head of the School of Allied and Public Health Professions, said: “I am delighted to see this important success which demonstrates not only our strong partnership with East Kent Hospitals NHS University Foundation Trust, but also our commitment to provide the very best opportunities for our Allied Health Professional students here at the University.”