During her PhD, Molly Bartlett took on a 3-month UKRI internship with the Government Office for Science (GO-Science), leading a high-profile project evaluating the impact of the UK's Chief Scientific Advisers (CSAs).
Delivering real results
Molly co-led a high-level project to evaluate the impact of CSAs and the CSA Network in influencing government decision-making. She supported GO-Science in designing and conducting surveys and interviews with senior officials, leading to the production of a detailed report . The findings highlighted the crucial role of CSAs in ensuring that expert advice is embedded at the heart of policymaking which was then used to communicate the importance of the CSAs role following the change of government.
But Molly's impact went beyond her main project. She also played a key role in organising several events and publishing a biweekly newsletter for the CSA network, enhancing collaboration across departments.
Building skills and broadening perspectives
Determined to get the most out of her placement, Molly completed Civil Service online courses in project management. These courses expanded her understanding of government structures and operations, while equipping her with valuable transferable skills for future roles.
Reflecting on her experience, Molly described her time at GO-Science as engaging. The supportive environment and meaningful projects expanded her perspective beyond academia, revealing career paths in science policy and public engagement.
Advice for future interns
Molly's advice for future interns is simple: be proactive and open to new opportunities. Getting involved in different projects and engaging with various teams offers valuable insight into how research influences policy and decision-making. She believes skills in communication, event management, and stakeholder engagement are essential for success across a range of careers.
Lasting impact
Molly's internship was more than just a learning experience, it was a chance to make a tangible difference. Her work strengthened CSA communication networks and demonstrated the importance of embedding expert advice within government. She recommends the internship for anyone interested in working in science but wanting an alternate path from academia or industry, the internship is a great opportunity to gain insights into many other science roles across government.
About the UKRI Policy Internship:
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) offers internships that provide PhD students with the opporunity to see first-hand how science informs government decision-making at one of the selected group of influential policy organisations. These placements allow interns to contribute to policy-relevant projects, work with senior officials, and develop skills that bridge the gap between research and public policy. Currently, the scheme supports on average 125 internships per year across all host partners.
