As the eight-week paid summer internship comes to an end, we spoke to this year’s interns to find out what they have been working on at the BioResource, any challenges they faced and what their plans are for the future.
Run by Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) and the UK Health Data Research Alliance in partnership with the 10,000 Black Interns Foundation, the Black Internship Programme is aimed at addressing underrepresentation within the health data science sector by offering early career Black data scientists the opportunity to carry out practical projects in the real world, make industry connections, and open doors to their future health data science career.
Introducing our 2024 interns…
Launched on 30th July, we welcome you this year’s interns: Tobi Dairo, undergraduate student in MB BChir Medicine at the University of Cambridge, and Mareca Sithole, master’s student in Health Data Science at the University of London.
Working at the BioResource
Together they have been working on a Patient Timelines project using data from various NHS Trusts and applying machine learning to create patient event data timelines for prediction and classification purposes. This included conducting analyses of BioResource publications to identify and visualise various trends, including comparing the attention scores of publications across different journals to observe which journals receive more attention.
Reflecting on their time with us, we asked them a few questions…
What have you gained from the internship?
Tobi said:
"I’ve learned a lot about how the data collected [on patients] is stored and managed as well as good clinical practise and issues surrounding data governance."
Mareca said:
2I’ve learned a lot about how the data collected [on patients] is stored and managed as well as good clinical practise and issues surrounding data governance.”
Both stated that they learned a lot about the work that the NIHR BioResource is doing and how it is contributing to improved health outcomes.
Did you face any challenges?
Tobi said:
"There are lots of rules to be aware of surrounding data access, confidentiality, etc.
"It’s also been a learning curve using tools such as PowerBI for the first time, however staff have been very supportive in providing assistance when I need it."
Mareca said:
"The work requires a lot more time than the hours my internship has allocated."
Why is the HDR UK Black Internship Programme important?
Tobi said:
"It has enabled me to gain first-hand experience in the field of health data science and I’ve had the opportunity to meet interns from other host organisations, hear about their journeys, and work with them on a technical project."
Mareca said:
"It gives individuals a platform to kickstart their careers, gain relevant skills and also network with industry experts.
"I have also gained some contacts in the industry and developed data science skills that I will take with me in my future endeavours."
Finally, what are your plans for the future?
Tobi said:
"After this internship I’ll be continuing my clinical medical studies.
"I plan to continue working on health-related data science projects, and hope that I can use data to improve patients' lives in my career."
Mareca said:
"I will complete my Master’s thesis and look for work opportunities after."
Find out more
If you are interested in learning more about the HDR UK Black Internship Programme, including how to participate as a host or apply as an intern next year, please visit HDR UK and the 10,000 Black Interns Foundation websites. Applications for Summer 2025 internships are now open.