Blog21st August 2026
New perspectives on bioethics: In conversation with our interns
by Eve and Safiya
What interested you about the NCOB when you applied for the internship?
Eve:
I was initially drawn to interning at the NCOB as I felt that its mission, to benefit society through rigorous research, aligned with my own values and interests. I have always enjoyed research, writing and public engagement, and knew that an internship at the NCOB would allow me to develop these skills while contributing to more ethical decision-making across the UK. Having always had a keen interest in politics, I was particularly excited to learn more about how research centres go about influencing public policy. This includes both the internal organisation and funding of the foundation, and how it engages with stakeholders nationally and internationally. Coming from a humanities background, I had very little knowledge of bioethics before joining the NCOB. However, expanding my knowledge of topical issues in bioethics and health has been a highlight of my experience and I will certainly be following up on this newfound interest.
Safiya:
What initially drew me to the NCOB was the opportunity to explore the ethical side of emerging developments in science, health and technology. As a psychology student, I have always been interested in understanding people and the wider factors that influence health and wellbeing. The chance to see how ethical questions are considered alongside scientific evidence and public policy was something I hadn’t experienced before. I was also excited by the opportunity to contribute to meaningful research while learning from experts working across different disciplines. The internship offered a unique chance to develop my research skills, gain insight into policy work, and better understand how ethical guidance can influence decision-making. It felt like an environment where I could challenge myself, learn something completely new and contribute to work that has a real impact on society.
What did you find most valuable about your time with us?
Eve:
I found it particularly valuable to be assigned a variety of tasks across the different policy areas. For example, I worked with the Environment and health, Reproduction, parenthood and families and communications teams on projects from embryo research to geoengineering. This enabled me to develop a range of skills from analysis to drafting publications. In addition, I was lucky enough to be able to conversate with staff across NCOB and the Nuffield Foundation about their roles. This exposed me to the variety of different careers available within a not-for-profit organisation. I feel lucky to have been afforded such insight into how policy research centres work, and I’ve really enjoyed all the projects I’ve contributed towards, both individually and collectively.
Safiya:
One of the most valuable aspects of my internship has been the variety of work I’ve experienced. I particularly enjoyed contributing to horizon scanning research, where I explored emerging technologies and their ethical implications. It was fascinating to research topics I had never encountered before and think critically about how they could affect society in the future. I also really enjoyed attending Council and Working Group meetings, where I was able to see how complex ethical issues are discussed from different perspectives before decisions are made. Everyone was incredibly welcoming and always happy to answer questions, which made it much easier to build my confidence. I also appreciated being trusted with meaningful work and having the opportunity to collaborate with different teams across the organisation. Every week brought something new, making the experience both challenging and rewarding.
What is one thing you’ve learned that you will take away from your experience working here?
Eve:
I think my experience has taught me that the world of work isn’t as intimidating as I had previously thought, and that working environments can be welcoming, collaborative and supportive. Coming from a pressurised, often disconnected environment of university, I was struck by the kindness of the staff at the NCOB and the genuine care displayed towards each of the interns. Every member of the team made an effort to reach out, check in or offer their support and insight. For an organisation whose research endeavours to improve social wellbeing, it was refreshing to see how the values of inclusion are reflected within the practices of the organisation. I think interning at the NCOB has given me a lot of clarity on both the type of work I enjoy doing, and the type of organisation that I would like to work for.
Safiya:
One of the biggest lessons I’ll take away is that good policy is built on collaboration and careful consideration of different perspectives. Before this internship, I hadn’t fully appreciated how much thought, discussion and evidence go into developing ethical guidance. I learned that there are rarely simple answers to complex ethical questions, and that listening to a wide range of viewpoints is essential for making balanced decisions. This experience has also strengthened my confidence in researching unfamiliar topics and communicating complex ideas in a clear and accessible way. I’ll carry these skills with me into my future studies and career. Most importantly, the internship has reinforced the importance of remaining curious, asking questions and being open to learning from people with different areas of expertise.
What advice would you give to next year’s intern/s?
Eve:
My main advice would be to say yes to all the opportunities available to you. The staff at the NCOB and across the Foundation are not only experts at what they do, but also friendly, interested, and willing to involve you in their work. I would encourage you to be open to all opportunities to get involved in different things. It also helps to be proactive. For example, if you finish a task, ask for feedback and what else there is that you can help with. There is always something you can contribute to, but if you don’t ask you could miss out on opportunities! In addition, don’t be afraid to ask for help or clarification when you’re unsure about a task as your colleagues would much rather you understand what it is you have to do. Finally, try to be confident in yourself and voice your opinions, because they are valuable and unique and so are you!
Safiya:
My biggest piece of advice would be to make the most of every opportunity. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if you think they’re basic – everyone is genuinely supportive and wants you to learn. Take advantage of attending meetings, speaking with colleagues from different teams and getting involved in projects outside your comfort zone, as these experiences provide valuable insight into the organisation’s work. I would also recommend keeping notes throughout the internship because you’ll be surprised by how much you learn over such a short period of time. Finally, be open to topics that are completely new to you. Some of the projects I enjoyed the most were subjects I knew very little about at the beginning, and they became some of the most rewarding parts of my internship.
The NCOB is proud to support the 10,000 Black Interns Programme.