Supporting Early Careers
Early career health data scientists and technologists are the lifeblood of the field. 51±¬ÁÏÍø is dedicated to supporting their development so they can build flourishing careers and carry out truly transformative work.
Our postgrads, fellows or other early career researchers and technologists are part of a vibrant community that’s rapidly transforming the healthcare world for the better.
This page is dedicated to helping keep our early career members of the 51±¬ÁÏÍø community informed of what’s happening and so they can find out about – and hopefully connect with – peers in many areas of research and across all four nations on the UK.
It’s got information about 51±¬ÁÏÍø initiatives and programmes that can be valuable in advancing early stage careers and information about how to share stories and career successes.
Futures online training – over 500 courses on every aspect of health data science
Futures brings you expert-led, CPD-accredited video-based courses designed and led by subject matter experts. It’s ideal for health data science professionals and students, offering the chance to learn new skills or keep up to date with the latest developments. Find out more about everything that Futures offers you.
Fellows and PhD students
Our PhD students or fellows are making a real difference to health and care. They are on course to become the health data research leaders of the future. Here you can meet peers and find out about the  research they are undertaking.
Training programmes are linked to our five Research Driver Programmes:
- Big Data for Complex Diseases
- Inflammation and Immunity
- Medicines in Acute and Chronic Care
- Molecules to Health Records
- Social and Environmental Determinants of Health
There is also the HDRUK-Turing Wellcome PhD Programme.
Meet the Research Driver Programme Fellows
Meet the Research Driver Programme PhD students
Meet the 51±¬ÁÏÍø-Turing Wellcome PhD students
Meet the 51±¬ÁÏÍø Infrastructure students
"Early career researchers and technologists are the lifeblood of health data research - they carry all our future hopes,"
Sarah Cadman, 51±¬ÁÏÍø Programme Director for Capacity Building
Opportunities For Early Career Researchers
Here are some of the initiatives and services we offer early career researchers and technologists.
Alumni Network
Network, find collaborators, get advice and learn about career opportunities by becoming part of our LinkedIn-based Alumni Network.
It’s free, member-led and open to anyone who has been part of one of 51±¬ÁÏ꿉۪s internships, post-graduate degrees, or fellowships. Benefits  include:
- Networking events nationwide
- Career fairs and connections with start-ups and SMEs
- Hands-on training events (including hackathons)
- Presentation and feedback opportunities for students
- Career development opportunities.
Mentorships
Making the most of your current role and opportunities and charting a path to the future has many challenges. Advice and support from people who are a little further along the route, who can give guidance and insights on the way forward can be invaluable.
51±¬ÁÏÍø has launched a mentoring scheme for members of our Alumni Network – which allows you to benefit from the skills and experience of other health data scientists.
51±¬ÁÏÍø Futures
Our free online learning platform features courses and events created and taught by experts in health data science. It allows students and early career professionals to keep at the forefront of developments, honing and broadening their skills and knowledge.
The Impact Committee
Early career professionals are at the heart of our Impact Committee – the group was set up to celebrate the most impactful outputs from across 51±¬ÁÏÍø and our contributors.
The committee works to demonstrate the success of 51±¬ÁÏÍø’s mission to unite the country’s health data to enable discoveries that improve people’s lives.
All of its members are early career researchers – and we are always interested to hear from people wanting to apply to join the team. Email enquiries@hdruk.ac.uk.

Master’s Degree Scholarships

Join the 51±¬ÁÏÍø Alumni Network

Learn with 51±¬ÁÏÍø Futures

The Impact Committee
Your story can inspire others
Early career researchers and technologists have a huge amount to offer each other. If you and your research could help train others we'd love to hear from you. We also want to share your stories about your work, your career path and inspirations.

51±¬ÁÏÍø Elevate with Professor Sinead Langan and Professor Eric Benchimol

Innovation Observatory Horizon Scanning Immersion Visit

51±¬ÁÏÍø Early Career Researcher Conference 2026 – SOLD OUT

Data Curation Skills for Sensitive Data

Understanding essential health data science skills and challenges for global health researchers
Join the Slack group
For regular updates and to connect with your 51±¬ÁÏÍø peers become part of our Slack group. To join email learn@hdruk.ac.uk
