My journey as a Research Analyst Intern with DARE UK
As a Data Analyst with a deep interest in Epidemiology, I was immediately drawn to Health Data Research UK (HDR UK)’s Health Data Science Black Internship Programme. Its unique blend of data and health research aligned perfectly with my career goals. I was fortunate to secure an 8-week internship with DARE UK as a Research Analyst, where I was intrigued by the opportunity to contribute to the mission of designing a trustworthy national data research infrastructure for the public good.
Stepping into the Unknown
My first day at DARE UK was filled with excitement and curiosity, as well as an awareness of the scale and significance of the programme. While I was confident in my data analysis skills, the sensitive data research landscape was entirely novel to me. I realised that this domain required not only technical expertise but also a deep understanding of the infrastructure and stakeholders that shape data research systems. This challenge was both daunting and thrilling. In the early weeks, I immersed myself in evaluating the DARE UK Phase 1 Infrastructure Landscape Reviews. This involved a comprehensive assessment of outcomes and learnings from the previous landscape reviews to inform the 2024/25 landscape review planning, and I had to engage with various stakeholders to gather insights. Initially, the complexity of the landscape was overwhelming. However, through stakeholder meetings and constant learning, I began to understand the interconnectedness of the elements within the landscape.
As the internship progressed, I engaged with key stakeholders, which included members of the DARE UK delivery team and the UKRI programme board. Gathering feedback from stakeholders with different expertise and understanding required strong communication skills and an ability to extract meaningful insights. The experience was invaluable, as it compelled me to adapt my data-driven mindset to a more people-focused approach. By actively listening and incorporating their feedback into the evaluation process, I produced a comprehensive evaluation report that reflected the needs of all parties involved.
Challenges
One of my first challenges was navigating the sheer volume of acronyms and specialised terms. Terms like “Interoperability”, “Trusted Research Environment”, and “Data Federation” were new to me, but with time, I became fluent in this language, which was critical for engaging meaningfully with the delivery team. Also, I realised that I needed to understand not just the data itself but how it is shared, governed, and used for public benefit. This was a steep learning curve, but it was also a breakthrough moment. By adapting my approach and collaborating closely with the DARE UK delivery team, I found that my data analysis background was highly relevant in identifying gaps and proposing actionable improvements.
Breakthrough Moments and Learning Opportunities
Midway through the internship, I was tasked with developing a set of survey questions for the landscape review, which would shape the objectives for the next landscape review. This was a pivotal moment for me. I had to think strategically, balancing technical requirements with the practicalities of data research infrastructure. I collaborated closely with the DARE UK team to ensure the questions aligned with programme goals while being robust enough to guide the upcoming and future reviews. One of the major breakthroughs in my learning came during this phase when I developed a Gantt chart to manage the 2024/2025 landscape review project. This tool not only helped me visualise project timelines and milestones but also showcased how my project management skills could translate into impactful contributions.
Moreso, I encountered challenges during the development of surveys for stakeholder feedback, which turned into valuable learning experiences. Initially, I planned to use Qualtrics but faced limitations with the number of questions allowed. I pivoted to Microsoft Forms, but its branching logic lacked the complexity I needed. Finally, I developed the survey questions using SurveyMonkey, which provided the necessary flexibility. This journey helped me explore and understand each tool’s unique strengths and limitations, broadening my skills and adaptability in survey development.
In addition, designing a structured report template to capture the findings of the landscape review was another learning opportunity. The challenge here was balancing technical detail with clarity, ensuring that the final report would be a valuable tool for decision-makers. The satisfaction of creating a versatile report template that will be used in the next landscape review was a testament to my growth in this role.
Reflecting on My Growth
By the end of my internship, I realised how far I had come as I had not only contributed to the success of the landscape review planning but also grown significantly as a professional. From deciphering data research acronyms and terminologies to overcoming technical challenges in survey development, I had grown in both my technical skills and my understanding of data research. I learned how to apply my data analysis skills to health data research, gained a deep understanding of the UK data research landscape, and developed strategic planning and stakeholder engagement skills.
Looking Forward: A New Passion for Health Data Research
This internship has been a transformative experience, introducing me to the world of sensitive data research, where data isn’t just numbers but a tool to improve public health outcomes. I leave with a renewed passion for this field and a clearer vision for my future career. The challenges I faced, from understanding complex infrastructures to engaging with diverse stakeholders, have not only made me a better Data Analyst but also equipped me to contribute meaningfully to health data research in the future.
Working with DARE UK has deepened my passion for data research and its potential to drive public good. I’m proud to have contributed to the programme’s vision of building a coordinated, trustworthy national data infrastructure. Through this experience, I have expanded my skillset and ignited my interest in pursuing further opportunities within the UK data research space. I’m immensely grateful to the DARE UK team for their support, mentorship, and belief in my abilities, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me.
