Sense about Science promotes the public interest in sound science and evidence. It is a unique campaigning charity that has turned the case for sound science and evidence into a popular cause. It has launched important initiatives to expand and protect open discussions of evidence, including Transparency of Evidence to secure openness for the public about the evidence behind decisions, AllTrials, an effective global campaign for the reporting of clinical trials; and, with Nature, it runs the international Maddox prize for standing up for science. It engages the public in ‘Asking for Evidence’ and leads initiatives to make subjects such as risk, uncertainty, data science and AI accessible.
Project Outline
An internship at Sense about Science is a rewarding experience, as no two days are the same. It is a fulfilling way to get practical experience of communications, policy and public engagement, and issues of research quality, developing key professional skills and contacts that will serve you well in your future.
You will work across a range of our projects and programmes – including Evidence Week, the John Maddox Prize, Voice of Young Science , Public Engagement Partnerships and Transparency of Evidence Standard Campaign depending on the timing of your placement. You’ll always be a critical member of the team and we’ll try to tailor internships according to your interests as far as possible, to ensure that you get the most out of your time with us. We typically have at least two interns working with us in our London office at any one time.
Essential Skills
- Ability to identify and use initiative to solve problems
- Ability to organise and prioritise work
- A flair for clear, engaging writing
- Friendly manner
- Candidates should be familiar with and share the Sense about Science ethos regarding the public interest in sound science and evidence
If working with us during the run up to Evidence Week (April 2027 – July 2027), the following attributes are highly desirable:
- An interest in, and understanding of, how the UK Parliament works
- Confidence communicating with senior stakeholders, both in person and over the phone
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel
Eligibility
Please note we can only consider short-term internship applications as part of a funded opportunity or scheme, such as, but not limited to, the PIPS professional internship scheme, for PhD students. If you don’t have access to funding support for an internship, then please discuss funding opportunities with your institution or research funder, as we are unable to offer funding at this time. We cannot offer unfunded/self-funded internships.
We are currently accepting applications for all of 2027 and will be reviewing them on a rolling basis.
How to apply
To apply, send your CV and a cover letter outlining how your skills match the requirements to [email protected] with the subject line “Student Internship.” Please indicate on your application if you are interested in interning with us in the run up to Evidence Week (April 2027 – July 2027), and how your skills meet the required attributes.
If you have any questions about our internship vacancies, please don’t hesitate to contact us at the same email.
Placements are usually 3 months and based in our Central London office, but we are flexible. Our office is located in the heart of London, a short distance from Oxford Circus and Regent’s Park. We normally work from our office for 4 days a week, so having the option to be within commuting distance of London is advantageous, but if this is not possible then please let us know.