How to Secure Research Opportunities While Studying Full-Time

Assalamu Alaikum!

My name is Surayyah, and I am a Pharmacy student at Aston University, with a background in Medical Physics research. I was previously published in a Harvard GSAS journal for an astrophysics project during my final year of sixth form, and I received the IRIS National Best Researcher Award from the renowned Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Alhamdulillah. My current integrated master’s programme provides numerous research opportunities, and I actively seek innovative projects outside my degree as well that align with my passion for STEM and community impact. The IMed team has asked me to share tips for getting involved in undergraduate research, so here they are.

Balancing a medical-related degree with research might sound overwhelming, but with the right approach, it’s completely achievable. Whether you’re studying pharmacy, medicine, biomedical science, or any healthcare-related course, research experience can boost your CV, expand your knowledge, and open doors to further opportunities. So, how can you get started? Let us break it down.

Start by Shadowing

The best way to dip your toes into research is to start by shadowing. It is a fantastic, low-pressure way to observe the research environment and understand how studies are conducted. Many universities have research groups tackling various projects. Find a group working in an area that interests you and reach out to the senior professors or lecturers who run it.

For me, this was a game-changer. I approached a research group at my university, expressed my interest, and asked if I could shadow their work. To my surprise, they were more than happy to have me on board. Shadowing gave me first-hand insight into how research teams collaborate, conduct experiments, and analyse data.

Build Relationships with Mentors

Once you start shadowing, take the opportunity to build meaningful connections with researchers. Networking is always a useful skill, and having a mentor in your field can be invaluable. They will offer guidance, answer your questions, and might even suggest opportunities for you to get more involved.

In my case, I continued shadowing beyond the university term. Seeing my consistent interest and dedication, my supervisor encouraged me to apply for a summer research grant. It was a pivotal moment that helped me transition from observing research to actively contributing to it.

Apply for Summer Grants and Internships

Many universities, societies and wider organisations offer summer research grants, internships, or fellowships. These are designed to provide hands-on experience and often come with funding. Check with your careers team, university’s research office or supervisor for available opportunities. Examples of types of schemes available in the UK include:

• Holiday Scholarships
• Summer Studentships
• Allocated Research Funding
• University-Specific Research Programmes

Tailor your application to show your enthusiasm for research and any relevant skills. If you have shadowed a project, mention how it deepened your interest and prepared you for the next step.

Top Tip: When applying for research opportunities, emphasise the significance of your idea, no matter how big or small. Highlight its potential impact on your field, the broader scientific community, and even the public. Demonstrating a clear, far-reaching vision can strengthen your application.

Learn the Research Process

Once you are involved in a project, understanding the research process will make everything feel less intimidating. The typical steps include:

• Identify a research question: What are you trying to investigate?
• Literature review: Explore existing studies to understand the current knowledge.
• Study design: Plan how you will conduct your research.
• Approvals: If working with patients or sensitive data, ethics approval may be required.
• Data collection and analysis: Gather and interpret your results.
• Report writing and presentation: Communicate your findings, potentially in journals or conferences.

Having a mentor will help you navigate this process. Do not hesitate to ask questions – research is all about curiosity and discovery.

Manage Your Time Effectively

Juggling research and studies is not easy, but it is doable with good time management. Prioritise your coursework and revision first, especially during exam season, and communicate openly with your supervisor about your availability. Many researchers understand that your degree comes first and will offer flexibility where possible.

A supportive supervisor can make all the difference. Mine has always been accommodating, understanding that my academic workload varies. Finding someone who respects your commitments is key to a sustainable research experience.

Keep an Open Mind

Not every project will be ground breaking, and that is okay. Even if the research does not lead to a major publication, the skills you gain, from critical thinking to data analysis, will benefit you in your future career. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to explore areas of healthcare you might not have considered before.

Final Thoughts

If you are curious about research, take that first step. Approach a professor, ask questions, and explore opportunities. Every researcher started somewhere, and shadowing is a great place to begin. With persistence and enthusiasm, you will be amazed at how far you can go.

May Allah (SWT) grant you success on your research journey. You are capable of great things!

~Surayyah Amatul Aziz