Host organisation: University of Glasgow School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
Project title: Celebrating 20 Years of Cardiovascular Discovery: Public Engagement at the Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre
Project description

The Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre (GCRC) has, for the past 20 years, been a hub of world-leading cardiovascular science. As part of the University of Glasgow’s School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, it has brought together leading researchers whose work has transformed both scientific understanding and patient care.

This interdisciplinary internship will mark the Centre’s 20th anniversary through the creation of public engagement events and resources that celebrate its achievements and showcase ongoing research. Working closely with past and present researchers, the intern will draw on their arts and humanities expertise to capture the story of the Centre’s impact and translate complex scientific advances into accessible, engaging formats for public audiences.

In addition to exploring the science, the researcher will have the opportunity to consider the life of the GCRC building itself, from its inception, planning, and architectural purpose, to its relationship with neighbouring buildings, the wider university campus, and surrounding communities. This perspective offers an alternative lens through which to understand the Centre’s role and identity, and may inform creative outputs alongside the scientific themes.

The outcome will be a set of creative resources and events that both highlight the groundbreaking research conducted at the GCRC and inspire wider awareness of cardiovascular science and its importance to society.

Outputs
The researcher will be expected to engage with GCRC staff and archives to gather stories, insights, and materials to create a range of public engagement outputs that both celebrate the GCRC’s 20th anniversary and make cardiovascular science accessible to wider audiences. The exact nature of these outputs will be shaped by the researcher’s disciplinary strengths and creative interests, ensuring genuine collaboration and innovation.
Possible outputs include:
  • Artwork (visual, digital, or installation pieces)
  • Creative writing (poetry, narrative, or reflective essays)
  • Oral history (recorded interviews and storytelling)
  • Digital storytelling (short films, podcasts, or interactive media)
  • Exhibitions (physical or online displays)
  • Public events (workshops, talks, or performances)

All outputs will be designed to interpret and communicate the Centre’s scientific achievements in accessible and imaginative ways. As a key requirement, the intern will deliver at least one focused public event as the culmination of their project, providing an opportunity to share their work and engage directly with audiences during the anniversary celebrations.

In addition to creative resources shared with the public during the anniversary celebrations, the intern will produce a collection of legacy materials (digital or physical) that can be reused by staff and students in future public engagement and teaching activities. By retaining these resources, the project will ensure that the story and impact of the GCRC are preserved and shared beyond the life of the internship.

Location
The internship will be delivered in a hybrid format to ensure the intern benefits from both direct engagement with the GCRC community and the flexibility needed for creative and reflective practice. The balance between on-site and remote working will be shaped in consultation with the intern, allowing them to tailor their experience according to their needs, preferences, and any accessibility requirements.

On site at the GCRC, the intern will have opportunities to:
  • Meet mentors and engage directly with researchers.
  • Take part in discussions and interviews to capture personal stories and insights.
  • Join lab tours and observe research in action, providing inspiration and context for creative outputs.
  • Participate in meetings or seminars to experience the Centre’s collaborative environment.
  • Gather materials such as archive information, lab items (where appropriate), sound recordings, and photographs to inform and enrich the project.

The University’s MakerSpace is also available to the intern, offering access to equipment including a laser cutter, vertical drill, Cricut A3 vinyl cutter, 3D printers, soldering stations, electronics zones (with bench dual power supply, oscilloscope, test meter), sewing machines, and a wide assortment of tools and craft accessories. The intern will also have access to hot desk areas, recording booths, and bookable meeting rooms, supporting a wide range of creative and digital production needs.

Alongside these in-person elements, the intern will have the flexibility to work remotely on the development and production of creative outputs. This remote component will support focused, independent work and accommodate the researcher’s preferred working style.

Benefits to the researcher

This internship offers a valuable opportunity for a researcher from an Arts & Humanities discipline to collaborate with cardiovascular scientists, gaining insight into cutting-edge research while contributing their own creative expertise. The researcher will be supported to explore new ways of interpreting and communicating science, developing skills in interdisciplinary collaboration, public engagement, and science storytelling.

They will benefit from access to the GCRC’s archives, staff, and research environment, and will be encouraged to shape the project around their own disciplinary strengths and creative interests. This flexibility allows for genuine co-creation and innovation, with the potential to produce impactful work that resonates with diverse audiences.

The School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health has some experience in creative collaborations, which will help support the researcher throughout the project. Previous examples include working with a science-based artist to develop interactive “Build a Brain” activities using modelling clay, and a heart-themed engagement project involving early career researchers that featured an origami-heart activity. These initiatives could be built upon and reflect the School’s openness to creative approaches and its interest in exploring new ways of engaging the public with science.

The internship will also provide valuable experience in designing and delivering public-facing outputs, contributing to the researcher’s portfolio and enhancing future career opportunities in engagement, education, or interdisciplinary research.

Key relationships

During the internship, the researcher will work directly with a diverse range of professionals within the School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, including world-leading researchers across three key themes: cardiac, metabolic, and vascular research. The intern will interact with staff at all career stages, from professors and clinical academics to early career researchers, PhD students, technical staff, and professional services, all of whom play a vital role in the Centre’s work and culture. Many of our researchers are also involved in university education, providing further opportunities for interdisciplinary exchange.

The intern will be mentored by members of the SCMH education team, who have a particular interest in interdisciplinary collaborations. They will also collaborate with public engagement professionals and communications staff, and engage with diverse public audiences through events and resources. This breadth of interaction will give the intern valuable experience in collaborating across disciplines and sectors, as well as opportunities to test and adapt their outputs for different audiences.

Timescale

Start date (or must start by): Flexible

End date (or must end by): 29th May 2026

Work structure: Single block

Subject areas

This opportunity would be relevant to the following subject areas:

Creative Writing; Dance; Design; Drama & Theatre Studies; Music; Visual Arts; Curating; Museum and Gallery Studies; Cultural Geography; History of Science/Medicine/Technology; Lifewriting; Science and Fantasy Writing; Poetry.

Person specification

A1. Knowledge Base
  • Essential: Subject KnowledgeInformation seeking; Information literacy and management.
  • Desirable: Research methods – theoretical knowledge; Research methods – Practical application; Languages; Academic literacy and numeracy.
A2. Cognitive Abilities
  • Essential: Critical thinking; Problem Solving.
  • Desirable: Analysing; Synthesising; Evaluating.
A3. Creativity
  • Essential: Inquiring minds; Intellectual insight; Innovation.
  • Desirable: Argument construction; Intellectual risk.
B1. Personal qualities
  • Essential: Enthusiasm; Perseverance; Integrity; Self-reflection; Self-confidence; Responsibility.
B2. Self management
  • Essential: Preparation and prioritisation; Commitment to research; Time management; Responsiveness to change; Work-life balance.
B3. Professional & career development
  • Essential: Responsiveness to opportunities; Networking.
  • Desirable: Career management; Continuing professional development; Reputation and esteem.
C1. Professional conduct
  • Essential: Health and Safety; Ethics, principles and sustainability; Legal requirements; IPR and copyright; Attribution and co-authorship; Appropriate practice; Respect and confidentiality.
C2. Research management
  • Essential: Research Strategy; Risk management; Project planning and delivery.
C3. Finance, funding & resources
  • Desirable: Income and funding generation; Financial management; Infrastructure and resources.
D1. Working with others
  • Essential: Collegiality; Team working; Influence and leadership; Collaboration; Equality and diversity.
  • Desirable: People management; Supervision; Mentoring.
D2. Communication & dissemination
  • Essential: Communication methods; Communication media.
  • Desirable: Publication.
D3. Engagement & impact
  • Desirable: Teaching; Public engagement; Enterprise; Policy; Society and culture; Global citizenship.

First published: 9 October 2025

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