How two months in research transformed my understanding of healthcare and shaped my future as a nurse– Tanatswa M. Muzembe
Discovering the world of research
Research has always felt slightly foreign to me. I believed it was a world filled with constant reading, big words and scientific discoveries; an image built by television. For the longest time, Einstein, Marie Curie, and other famous scientists became my reference points for what I considered research to be.
Though this image holds some truth, it is said that two truths can occupy the same space at the same time. Research, particularly health research, is far more diverse, collaborative, and human than I ever imagined.
A leap of curiosity
As I neared the end of my four-year Integrated master’s in nursing, I was convinced that what I needed most was a long holiday and a hibernation nap. However, my curiosity clearly had other plans.
When I came across the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Undergraduate Research Internship, I found myself reading through every detail with intense focus — and a small voice in my head said, “Why not? Give it a go.” So, I did.
Applying for a nationally competitive research internship funded by an institution as large as the NIHR felt daunting. However, as I began preparing my application, I noticed a pattern: my interests and experiences all centred around asking new questions, contributing to improvement, and supporting others in their growth. At its very core, that’s what health research is all about.
I think often, as healthcare students, we can take for granted the wide range of clinical and professional skills and experiences we have gained over the duration of our courses. Upon reflection, when applying for the internship, I learnt it is not about having all the experience in the world but shaping and applying the information you have gained to healthcare research and how my individual experience can shape new ideas and perceptions. This perspective helped ease my nerves during the interview process. Research is not looking for the ‘right person with the right answers’ but for new perspectives and experiences.
Discovering a new world at the Leicester BRC
My two-month whistle-stop tour of research began in September 2025, based in the buzzing city of Leicester, which by then had started to feel like home over the course of my studies. However, it felt as though I had discovered a whole new world.
I began at the Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, more specifically within the Leicester Diabetes Centre, the UK’s largest clinical research centre for diabetes, surrounded by bright minds, new concepts, and endless questions — many of them my own.
What fascinated me most was the range of health professionals involved: doctors, dietitians, nurses, and physiotherapists, all contributing to research in their own ways. For the first time, research didn’t feel like a distant or unattainable concept; it felt within reach.
Supervised by Dr Hannah Young, Associate Professor in Physical Activity and Rehabilitation and a practising specialist physiotherapist with 20 years’ experience, I had the opportunity to learn about scoping reviews, including actively being involved in data extraction, leading research, journal clubs, and the processes behind developing a study.
I had the opportunity to witness and get involved in the different elements of research conducted in the field of Multiple Long-term Conditions (MLTCs), including regular meetings with clinical research teams and discussing data extraction and findings.
During this time, I also completed my Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification, the ethical and scientific standard that ensures clinical research is conducted safely, the rights and well-being of participants are protected, and the data generated is credible and reliable.
Learning by doing: research in social care
The second half of my internship took me into the world of social care research at the LOROS Centre for Excellence in Research, which focuses on palliative and end-of-life care.
I worked alongside Dr Fawn Harrad-Hyde, a Research Associate specialising in care homes, whose experience across health and social care provided incredible insight. This placement consolidated my understanding of research and deepened my understanding of Patient and Public Involvement (PPI), multidisciplinary teamwork, and how collaboration across sectors shapes applied research. During this time, I had the opportunity to attend multidisciplinary team meetings centred on the delivery of patient-centred and holistic palliative care. Witnessing the liaison of the health care, social care, and research sectors practically demonstrated the theoretical concept of evidence-based, patient-centred practise. The Patient and Public Involvement meetings allowed me to gain an understanding of the importance of the ‘patient and carer voice’ when conducting research and ensuring that the research is applicable and beneficial.
A highlight of this placement was attending the Consent and Capacity in Palliative Care workshop, hosted by Dr Caroline Barry (UEA) and Dr Victoria Shepard (Swansea) at the Royal College of Physicians in London. Meeting experts in palliative care from across a range of universities and a range of hospices was both inspiring and eye-opening — a reminder of how research and clinical practice continuously inform each other.
Networking and meeting different individuals from various backgrounds not only helped me improve my communication skills but also allowed me to gain so much insight and advice at the beginning of my research journey, with everyone happy to point me in the right direction.
Mentorship, growth, and opportunities
The NIHR internship was a truly tailored experience. Over the two months, I met regularly with my supervisors to discuss my interests, passions, and career goals. They introduced me to a wide range of professionals- from researchers and academics to nurse leaders at the University of Leicester, NIHR Global Policy Unit, and LOROS Hospice.
These interactions helped me see the many routes available to nurses in research — real-life examples of what nurse leadership in academia can look like.
With their support, I have begun to build my research portfolio, identifying journals and starting the process of publishing my master’s dissertation. I even had the chance to present my internship experience to third-year nursing students — a full-circle moment that felt surreal and rewarding.
What I found most profound about the research world was the kindness and generosity I encountered. Professionals from all disciplines were happy to share their time, advice, and experience – reminding me that research isn’t just about data and discovery, but also about people, mentorship, and collaboration.
Reflections and next steps
Working alongside my supervisors also helped me explore future opportunities, including pre-doctoral fellowships and doctoral pathways. I have begun the process of actively applying for these roles, and with this is an exciting world of possibilities has begun to unravel. This internship gave me an incredible introduction to the world of research and completely shifted my career path.
Though I am only at the beginning of my journey, I know this experience has been a major stepping stone toward an exciting future – one filled with curiosity, discovery, and purpose.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that research isn’t just about evidence and outcomes: it’s about people, passion, and the pursuit of better care.
Tips and advice for future applicants
- Be open-minded. Research can seem daunting; however, give yourself time to understand what it is about and how it applies in your field of interest.
- You are more likely to hear yes than no. During the application process, interview stage or even during the internship, so many people are more than happy to help guide and advise you. You need to take the first step and ask for help.
- Shape the internship to your interests, consider what sparks your interests and where your passion lies, and see how, during this time, you can learn more about it and what working in research within that field looks like.
- Throw imposter syndrome in the bin. Start conversations with the people around you. This can feel daunting, but you have a unique set of experiences and perspectives, so go for it.