Hi! I’m Lucy, a final-year BSc (Hons) Infectious Diseases student at the University of Edinburgh. This summer, I had the incredible chance to intern with LifeArc, a UK medical research charity, working alongside the Innovation Hubs for Gene Therapies as a Science Communications Strategist – all made possible through the Saltire Scholars Programme.
When I applied to the programme, I wanted to challenge myself, step outside my comfort zone and explore what science looks like beyond the lab. I knew this programme could open doors I might not have reached on my own, offering a way to contribute to meaningful work whilst gaining skills that would complement my degree in unexpected ways.
My internship was extremely varied. One day I would be drafting social media posts and blog articles; the next, I would be sitting in product development meetings or interviewing scientists for my video series. I also came up with some of my own projects, including;
I also contributed to internal newsletters, wrote blog-style reports from events, and helped to develop communications for the Skills Launch of the Innovation Hubs’ new training materials. Beyond the desk, I had the chance to travel to London for different conferences and attend the Cheltenham Science Festival 2025, where I joined the Innovation Hubs’ team and other collaborators in engaging young audiences about the Future of Medicine. Seeing the children light up when they understood the different concepts was one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.
Although my internship linked to my scientific background, it opened my eyes to an entirely different side of research; the communication, strategy and creativity behind how science reaches the public. I learned new skills like video editing and digital storytelling, and I gained confidence in speaking to professionals across the field. My confidence in myself also grew, whether that was presenting my ideas in meetings, networking at conferences or travelling alone to new cities, I found myself saying yes to everything and surprising myself in the process.
This experience has reshaped how I think about my future in science. I have discovered that communicating complex ideas in a clear, accessible way is just as important as the work done in the labs, and that science communication could very much be part of my career path. To anyone thinking about applying to the Saltire Scholars Programme, do it. Take every opportunity that comes your way as you never know where it might lead. I am proud to be a Saltire Scholar and even prouder of how much I have grown through this experience.
