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Develop an appreciation and understanding of the wider scientific context of medicine
Confidence: Increase your confidence when engaging with the wider science and academic aspects of medicine
Capability: Learn about clinical and non-clinical research and increase proficiency
Exposure: Find out more about careers in medical research
Clinical Reasoning: Understand how clinical research can influence patient outcomes and apply your learnings
About the programme
This immersive 4-day hybrid programme is designed to inspire and equip aspiring medical students of black heritage with the skills needed for successful careers in clinical and academic medicine.
APPLICATIONS OPEN: 1st July 2025
APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 25th July 2025
APPLICANTS SELECTED: 1st August 2025
PROGRAMME DATES: 19th August 2025 - 22nd August 2025
FORMAT
3 half days virtual learning, 1 day in-person at the University of Cambridge
Final In-Person Event: August 22nd, 2025, at the University of Cambridge (St Catharine's College)
What the programme includes
🧠 Research Masterclasses – Learn the fundamentals of medical research, including critical appraisal and analysis.
🧪 Group Research Project – Work in a team to explore health inequalities and develop solutions to real-world local health challenges.
🎙️ Expert Talks – Hear from leading academics and doctors about their research and career paths.
🤝🏾 Mentoring Support – Get guidance from dedicated research buddies who are current medical students.
🏫 Cambridge Experience – Spend a day at the University of Cambridge to present your research, tour the campus, and experience university life.
🤩 Connect with Peers – Meet and collaborate with like-minded aspiring doctors from across the country.
💡 Skills Development – Build your skills in research, problem-solving, public speaking, and critical thinking to boost your future medical school application.
Join the programme
Strong desire to study Medicine at university and become a Doctor
Black African or Caribbean heritage or students of mixed race heritage
Aged 16 - 17 (or Year 12 - 13 students)
Studied at a non-selective state secondary school
Have not yet submitted a medical school application
Minimum of 5 grades at 9-6 at GCSE or at least 37 points in IB MYP (Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English)
As a participant, you will need to be available for at least 2 of 3 virtual days and attend the final event in Cambridge. (If you will be missing one day, please inform programmes@melaninmedics.org in advance).
Travel bursaries are available for students who have financial difficulties.
What participants say
"The programme was really interesting and I was able to explore research more aswell as actually partake in a research project with other students. The talks on both the virtual and in person days were really interesting and I was able to learn new things. The buddies were extremely helpful with the project too. I also enjoyed meeting other aspiring medics from all over the country and enjoyed making new friends. The programme is extremely unique and the fact that we not only received talks from expert about research but actually got to conduct our own research meant that I could improve a variety of skills."
Become a mentor on the programme
We are looking for enthusiastic medical students to join us as buddies for our participants. Buddies will support the young people in their research project, to crtitically appraise a research paper and present their findings.
This role is ideal for those with research experience or a strong interest in research, and critical appraisal skills are essential. This can include but is not limited to students who have intercalated.
Buddies will receive a stipend of £300 and travel costs will also be covered.
As a buddy, you will need to be available for the entire duration of the programme and attend the final event in Cambridge.
