Two clinical PhD students from the University of Birmingham are the first to undertake bespoke Midlands Innovation Fellowships based in the Houses of Parliament.
Chris Hatton, a Clinical Research Fellow and PhD student and Nick Moody, a vascular surgery registrar and PhD student, based in the College of Medicine and Health at the University of Birmingham successfully secured the very first MI fellowships with the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST).
PhD level students who are undertaking or have recently completed their PhD study in the social sciences or in life sciences, health sciences and medicine at seven participating MI universities had the chance to apply for this once in a lifetime opportunity to experience first-hand working in Parliament through a special fellowship established by Midlands Innovation partners.
Chris started his fellowship with the Health and Social Care Committee in March and says he has been thoroughly enjoying his time in Parliament: “This fellowship has provided me with an incredible opportunity to work with the Health and Social Care Committee’s Independent Expert Panel, assisting in their evaluation of palliative care in England. It has been a fascinating experience, where I have been able to see first-hand how Parliament functions. It has also given me a unique insight into healthcare at a structural and organisational level, which has come at a particularly interesting time given the significant changes to the NHS structure announced recently. Overall, it has been a fantastic experience so far.”
Nick, who recently started his fellowship, will be learning about the role of the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST), which is the research and knowledge exchange service of Parliament. POST Fellows provide briefing material for parliamentarians on emerging science topics. This can include researching and producing briefings and reports or assisting Select Committees research needs for inquiries.
Nick Moody, said: “This is an exceptional opportunity to do something completely beyond the parameters of my PhD and will give me an insight into the conduct and applicability of research in the real-world, and how decision makers that affect us all receive and digest research.”
Both will have the opportunity to delve into novel and exciting areas of research, develop a unique understanding of the UK Parliament, and forge relationships with key stakeholders.
Dr Helen Turner, Director of Midlands Innovation, said: “As a partnership of the top-research intensive universities in the Midlands, we are thrilled that our first two fellows are starting their parliamentary fellowships through POST, and we wish Chris and Nick all the very best with their placements.
“We have been thrilled at the volume and exceptionally high standard of applications we received for the very first Midlands Innovation POST Fellowships. This demonstrates the depth and breadth of the exceptional researchers that Midlands Innovation partners are developing and highlights the strength of the Midlands research ecosystem.”
Dr Clare Lally, Biological Sciences and Health Lead at the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST), said: “We are pleased to partner with Midlands Innovation to offer this opportunity to their PhD researchers. POST works to ensure that the best available research evidence is available to the UK Parliament, and collaborating with talented early career researchers is a key part of delivering this mission. POST fellowships are a career-shaping opportunity to witness how research is used at the centre of policymaking, and we were very impressed to receive lots of outstanding applications. We look forward to working with Chris and Nick.”
