This summer, four students stepped into leading UK labs through our Black Leaders in Diabetes Research internship. The students gained new skills, lasting connections, and saw how research can truly change lives – while starting to picture themselves as tomorrow’s diabetes research leaders.
Diabetes is a serious condition and deep-rooted inequities make its impact even greater for some communities. We’re committed to tackling these inequities, including by increasing diversity within the diabetes research community.
This summer, four students stepped into the world of diabetes research thanks to our Black Leaders in Diabetes Research internship scheme, in partnership with the Windsor Fellowship.
Our internship puts this into practice, giving students from Black backgrounds – currently underrepresented in UK diabetes research – hands-on experience and mentorship from established scientists.
Our vision is a research community that reflects the diversity of the diabetes population, so discoveries benefit everyone and shape care that is tailored, appropriate, and equitable.
Over six weeks, the students immersed themselves in leading labs across the UK. They learned new skills, contributed to real projects, and began to see themselves as part of the future of diabetes research.
Taking the first step
For Mica McCarthy, the scheme offered both an opportunity and a spark of recognition:
“When I came across the internship, I was drawn to the initiative that aims to increase diversity in science, both among researchers and participants. That’s something I’d love to help change. And Professor Kathleen Gillespie’s project on type 1 diabetes tied in with my passion around autoimmune conditions. Even the application process was a learning experience, because the programme promised feedback after interviews – which is so rare!”
Life inside the labs
Every intern left with stories of discovery, challenge and growth.
Irene Yeboah, who joined Dr Stephanie Hanna at Cardiff University, reflected:
“I gained practical lab skills, expanded my professional network, and learned a lot about diabetes research through both hands-on experience and attending conferences.”
Mica’s internship spanned across the Universities of Oxford, Exeter and Bristol, giving her a unique view of both the clinic and the lab:
“I shadowed Dr Rachel Besser in her paediatric type 1 diabetes clinic in Oxford, where I met patients and families. Later, I learned and ran experiments in pancreatic sample imaging and processing in Exeter and Bristol.
"I saw what research looks like day-to-day, as well as how UK teams collaborate with labs around the world. Seeing it all together gave me a whole picture of the research – where it’s going, and how the work I contributed to could directly impact people living with type 1 diabetes.”
For Maisa Hassan, her placement at the Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism working with Dr Daniela Nasteska on type 2 diabetes research proved equally eye-opening:
“My internship’s expanded my scientific knowledge, but more than that, it’s given me a deeper understanding of medical research. Working alongside leading researchers has shown me the power of collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving.”
Lasting impact
The scheme gave students more than just lab training. They also gained invaluable connections with the research community as well as real-world impact of science.
Mica explained how she made the most of every opportunity:
“In every place, I asked researchers: how did you get here? What was your path after your undergrad? Having those insights and connections has been so helpful in making informed decisions about my future.”
She also highlighted the support she felt throughout:
“In all three places, anything I needed I could just ask. I never felt like I couldn’t. And people offered to mentor me, to stay in touch, and to give advice about my career.”
For Irene, the experience was transformative:
"One thing I didn’t expect was how collaborative everything would be...everyone, from the technicians to the clinical researchers, was approachable and supportive, and they all worked together seamlessly to drive progress in research for the benefit of people living with diabetes. And listening to patients and families share their experiences made the research feel even more meaningful and human.
"This internship really expanded my understanding of research, especially how lab work connects to real-world impact for patients. From the internship, I’ve come away with fresh and interesting insights, more confidence in the lab, and a better idea of how research fits into my long-term career goals."
The power of mentorship
The impact of the scheme was felt not only by the interns, but also by the senior researchers who guided them.
Dr Giulia De Rossi, who is working on retinopathy treatments, and mentored Precious Olubori, said:
"Mentoring through this internship reminded me how powerful hands-on experience can be. Precious brought enthusiasm, curiosity, and a fresh perspective that enriched the lab. It’s incredibly motivating to watch someone discover their potential in real time."
Dr Daniela Nasteska, Maisa’s supervisor, told us:
“I firmly believe in the ‘be the change you want to see in the world’ approach. During my own research training, I struggled to find suitable mentorship and role models I could identify with, especially being a woman in science.
"Therefore, I do my best now to offer guidance to young students who are just taking their first steps in research. I jumped on board the Black Leaders in Diabetes scheme because it addresses something we hope for in our research environment-to have labs reflecting our society as it is, diverse and thriving."
For Daniela, hosting the internship has helped her sharpen her focus when supervising, tailoring her approach based on the students' needs whilst gently nudging them to grow independency in diabetes research.
Giulia also echoed:
“If you’re thinking about getting involved – do it. You’ll not only help someone grow, you’ll grow too.”
A future in diabetes research
The scheme has left a lasting mark on the students, giving them the confidence to imagine their place in diabetes research. And that is exactly what drove us to establish this funding scheme in the first place.
As Mica told us:
“There is still so much to the condition that is unknown, and so much work to be done. Seeing people living with type 1 and how their lives are being improved every day by the research that is going on is really, really encouraging. I think that's definitely inspired me to stay with diabetes research.”
