Using internships to build research capacity and capability in small doses

Research internships funded by a trust charity build research capacity among nurses, midwives and allied health professionals (NMAHPs) through a structured 6-month programme combining mentorship, peer support and tailored training. Since its inception, 45 NMAHPs have completed it, with seven currently enrolled. Interns pursue research aligned to their roles, producing diverse outputs and progressing professionally, securing National Institute for Health Research fellowships, postgraduate qualifications and internal funding. Many have become research champions within their departments, fostering a growing community of research-active NMAHPs. The programme has consistently enhanced confidence, skills and motivation, with interns describing it as 'invaluable' and 'eye-opening'. A pilot evaluation using the VICTOR tool in 2024 indicated early positive impacts, and a formal mixed-methods evaluation is now under way. The internship model fosters a sustainable research culture, supports clinical academic pathways and enhances research leadership across multidisciplinary teams.