As we begin recruitment for the 2025 iteration of the Ambassadors Internship Scheme, it’s a great time to reflect on the programme’s early days and explore future directions. After seven years since launching the programme, we've welcomed 40 Ambassadors from almost every school, supported 32 research projects, developed case study exemplars and expanded the digital research community across schools and colleges through numerous local and university-wide events.
In 2018, the scheme started as a small-scale project, integrating various pathways and student research roles. During this time, interns collaborated closely with facilitators and local teams, aiming at better understanding research requirements, organising events and training, and contributing to knowledge-sharing networks. They played a pivotal role in driving change in digital research practices by identifying and documenting examples of innovation and good practice. The scheme's popularity led to its continuation in 2019 and 2020. As the facilitation initiatives evolved and the scheme reached maturity, from 2021 until 2024, we focused on supporting interns gaining hands-on research experience and assisting staff in scaling up data and computational aspects of their projects. Now, in 2025, the focus is on promoting best practices in digital research, maximising the effective use of services, improving research planning, and strengthening the programme’s impact within schools and research centres.
We have a list of exciting projects across various disciplines, focusing on innovative research and practical applications. From developing user-friendly GUIs for deep learning in single-cell imaging to enhancing secondary education with AI-driven tools, these internships provide hands-on experience and skill development. Other projects include advancing open-source neuroscience software, exploring energy prototypes for sustainable transitions, and creating R-based tools for educational purposes. Interns will collaborate with experts, contribute to impactful research, and enhance digital practices. Python and R programming and data management are the most in-demand skills for this year’s projects. However, we also welcome interns with expertise in GIS tools, data dashboards, statistics and other digital research skills. Apply now!
As the scheme continues to grow, we aim to enhance our processes, maximise impact, and improve the support we provide to the University of Edinburgh’s digital research community. Please fill out the 7-minute “Digital Research Services Facilitation Survey” to help us shape the Research Facilitation programme for the upcoming academic years.