The Applied Research Collaboration North West Coast (ARC NWC) is excited to announce the first call for applications for the Knowledge Mobilisation Internships. These internships offer a unique opportunity for individuals to undertake small-scale projects under the guidance of experts from ARC NWC’s Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

Designed to foster the exchange of knowledge and innovative ideas between academia and practice, the internships are open to the health and social care workforce of ARC NWC member organisations and for the first time open to academics affiliated with ARC NWC HEIs. Academic interns will have the opportunity to work in partnership with ARC NWC member organizations on projects that align with both their personal interests and the strategic priorities of their institutions.

NIHR ARC NWC Senior Research Fellow, Dr. Kathryn Berzins from the IMPlementation and Capacity building Team (IMPaCT), emphasised the importance of these internships, stating, “We believe these internships provide a fantastic opportunity for translating research into practice, fostering greater collaboration between academia and frontline services.” She added, “This internship not only supports the professional growth of individuals within our member organisations but this time allows academics to partner with our member organisations and carry out the research which we believe will make it easier for some organisations to take part in the scheme, especially in the current context of service pressures.”

While internships can cover a wide range of topics, there is a particular interest in applications related to social care, thanks to additional funding available for these projects. Dr. Berzins highlighted, “This internship offers a valuable opportunity to make a tangible impact on practice, advancing ARC NWC’s mission to improve the quality and equity of health and social care.”

To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate a strong interest in knowledge mobilisation, commitment to the internship program (including an end-of-internship presentation), have full managerial support from their organisation, and the ability to attend supervisory meetings and training sessions.

Interns will be released from their usual workplace duties for up to one day a week, over the span of a year, to focus on their knowledge mobilisation projects. These projects should adhere to the following key principles:

•Align with an ARC NWC Theme
•Address a regional or national priority
•Involve co-production with patients/service users
•Consider health inequalities, with reference to the FOR-EQUITY webpage

The deadline for applications is Monday, 13th January 2025, at 5pm. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the ARC NWC Capacity Building team for more information and to request an application form by emailing arcnwc@uclan.ac.uk.

For further information about internships, please visit the ARC NWC website.