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From data to impact: Munira and Tobi’s internship experience
September 7, 2026
This summer, UCLPartners welcomed Munira Bello and Tobi Abiodun through the HDR UK Health Data Science Black Internship Programme.
Working across live health innovation projects, they analysed healthcare and survey data, while building their skills, confidence and understanding of how evidence can improve care.
Munira is completing an MSc in Health Policy, Planning and Financing at London School of Economics and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, while Tobi is a biomedical science graduate from the University of Warwick. Here, they reflect on what they learned, the support they received and how the experience has shaped their career ambitions.
What attracted you to health data and innovation, and what were your first impressions of UCLPartners?
Tobi: I wanted to build on the data analysis skills from my biomedical sciences degree and healthcare experience. UCLPartners stood out because its work has clear real-world impact, improving patient outcomes in line with my own goals.
I also wanted to see how my academic and professional skills could be applied in a health innovation setting while continuing to develop my technical abilities.
My first impressions began before I arrived. The messages from my future manager helped me feel welcome and prepared. Once I joined, I was struck by how collaborative UCLPartners is and how quickly interns are trusted to contribute.
Munira: I was looking for work experience alongside my master’s degree and wanted to understand data analysis in practice. I was interested in how UCLPartners supports health innovation, and the chance to help evaluate innovations that could improve care was especially motivating.
I wanted to learn more about data analysis and real-world evidence, but the internship also showed me how supportive teams help people do their best work.
The positive workplace culture stood out straight away. There is a strong sense of respect, trust and balance alongside the high-quality work.
How did you contribute to health innovation projects and what are you most proud of?
Tobi: I worked on several projects, including Accurx Scribe, the UCLPartners Insights Platform and due diligence activities for innovators applying to the SBRI cancer open call. Analysing survey data, creating visualisations and preparing presentations for stakeholders helped me understand how health innovation evaluations are designed, delivered and shared.
I am particularly proud of my contribution to the Accurx Scribe project. Analysing data, building visualisations and presenting findings strengthened my confidence as an analyst. Receiving positive feedback from the team made me especially proud.
Munira: I worked on Accurx Scribe, the UCLPartners Insights Platform and Skin Analytics. I analysed survey data, explored opportunities to improve the platform and worked with healthcare datasets. This gave me valuable insight into health innovation and evaluation methods.
I am most proud of my work on Skin Analytics and the poster I produced during the internship. The project developed my skills in Python, data visualisation and communicating insights clearly, and gave me confidence in what I can do.
What helped you grow during the internship?
Tobi: The biggest lesson I learned was that strong analysis depends on strong communication. The best outcomes come from collaboration, shared expertise and translating findings clearly so they can inform decision-making.
I also learned the importance of having confidence in my contribution. Mentors and colleagues helped me see that my perspective adds value and encouraged me to take an active role in discussions. Conversations with Kate Cheema were especially useful in showing how my technical and transferable skills can support an analytical career.
Munira: One of the biggest lessons for me was the value of continuous learning. Colleagues regularly shared resources, courses and ideas to improve their work. That commitment to learning is something I will take into the next stage of my career.
My mentoring conversations with Rachel Surtees were also incredibly valuable. They helped me reflect on my development, and build confidence in my abilities.
What will you take away from the experience?
Tobi: The staff awayday stands out. It was a chance to connect with colleagues and experience the strong sense of community across UCLPartners. I also valued opportunities to discuss my progress with my manager, Rohit Syed-Hasan, throughout.
The strongest advice I received was to have confidence in my contribution. It reminded me that my perspective has value and that I should not be afraid to contribute my ideas.
Munira: I agree with many of the moments Tobi mentioned, particularly presenting to colleagues and taking part in team activities. This helped me develop confidence and feel part of the organisation.
The most valuable advice I received came from my mentor Rachel: “Be objective, straightforward and put yourself forward.” It reminded me to trust my abilities, advocate for myself and be confident about the value I bring.
We’d like to thank Munira and Tobi for their contribution to UCLPartners this summer, and wish them every success as they take the next steps in their careers.