Research in Practice offers the opportunity to engage in practical development by undertaking a 3- month placement. Each month, we will share the latest news from those who are currently on their placement.
If you would like support with co-ordinating your placement, contact the Research in Practice co-ordinator – Sian Shepherd esrcrip@bangor.ac.uk
Student: Emma Evans
Cohort: 2024
Pathway: Education
University: Cardiff University
Placement Host: Welsh Government
The placement gave me valuable insight into how research informs policy and practice...
Your placement role and company:
As part of my placement with Welsh Government, I supported a project exploring how democratic engagement initiatives can be evaluated more effectively. My main objective was to conduct a literature review to inform recommendations on monitoring and evaluation approaches for projects funded by Welsh Government and other funders.
Before starting the placement, I felt apprehensive. The application process seemed intimidating and, with pressure to undertake a placement, I worried that spending three months away from my PhD research might be detrimental. However, the working environment was welcoming, flexible and considerate of my family commitments, while ensuring my time was both interesting and relevant to my doctoral journey.
Alongside completing the literature review, I developed a full report and produced a second draft that incorporated findings from a workshop I planned and facilitated with funded organisations. Subject to final edits, the report is expected to be published by Welsh Government later this year, which has been a particularly rewarding outcome.
Your reflection of the placement:
The placement gave me valuable insight into how research informs policy and practice. It was fascinating to see evidence being used across departments and to observe how professional relationships help shape policy development.
Working as part of a team was also a new experience. Through weekly meetings, events and informal team activities, I gained confidence and developed a range of transferable skills. Adapting to the Welsh Government writing style made me think more carefully about accessibility and clarity in my own work, lessons that will directly benefit my PhD.
Looking back, I am incredibly proud of what I achieved and can genuinely see myself pursuing a career beyond academia, including within Welsh Government.
Learn more about the work Emma was involved in during her placement here
Advice you’d give to someone thinking about a placement:
Don’t worry too much about the placement not being in your research area – you will have a great experience that will benefit you in lots of different ways that will support you in your own project, pick something that looks interesting and take it from there.
Student: Alf Entwistle
Cohort: 2025
Pathway: Management & Business
University: Swansea University
Placement Host: Visit West
I have already gained a wealth of valuable experience
My research focuses on city marketing and branding, particularly the processes and power relations involved in how cities and places are promoted. I was fortunate to secure a three-month placement with Visit West, the Destination Management Organisation (DMO) for the West of England, based at their Bristol office. As DMOs play a key role in place promotion, I was keen to gain an insight into how one operates from the inside. Now halfway through the placement, I have already gained a wealth of valuable experience. So far, I have worked on a range of projects, including designing a resident sentiment survey on tourism and producing a report on long-term visitor and spending trends across the region. I have also been involved in the day-to-day activities of the organisation, from membership management to supporting industry events, with the possibility of a trip in Visit West’s hot-air balloon still on the horizon.
Student: Olesya Romashko
Cohort: 2024
Pathway: Journalism, Digital Media and Democracy
University: Swansea University
Placement Host: Institute of Children’s Futures, Manchester Metropolitan University
Despite my PhD research being on a totally different topic, the foundational knowledge I have has immensely helped me adapt to this role...
Your placement role and company:
I am working with the Institute for Children’s Futures (ICF), an interdisciplinary institute dedicated to improving children’s lives globally by putting their voices and rights at the heart of research and policy. In this role, I am focusing closely on one of the institute’s core research priorities: Child-Friendly Cities and Regions. Specifically, I am conducting a Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) to help identify gaps, barriers, and challenges in how children’s participation is conceptualised, operationalised, and evidenced in academic research as contributing to decision-making processes that affect them. As a part of it, I am examining global evidence and practice across research institutes, children’s rights organisations, and public bodies, with a focus on young people aged 14–25. Through the analysis, I identify and analyse the key ethical, legal, operational, and practical considerations associated with Young Persons Panels (YPP), with particular attention to online participation and digital civic engagement. The goal is to help strengthen the evidence base needed to design spaces that truly uphold children’s rights, independence, and civic participation
Your thoughts so far on the placement:
I’ve opened an exciting new chapter of my life. Everyone has their own perception of life – whether through sensory inputs, past experiences, mental shortcuts, or social expectations. But as Shakespeare wrote in Hamlet: “…there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” That’s why, instead of challenges, I choose to see massive opportunities here. Despite my PhD research being on a totally different topic, the foundational knowledge I have has immensely helped me adapt to this role, and at the same time, the unique insights and skills I am gaining now will be incredibly useful for my future PhD research. I am diving into the research, collaborate with an incredible team, and contribute to such impactful, real-world work.
Any advice you’d give to someone just starting their placement or thinking about a placement:
As an international student, it is easy to initially feel a bit cautious or doubt whether you fully belong in a new academic and professional landscape. My biggest advice is: do not be shy, and never doubt your value or capabilities! The people you work with genuinely want to see you succeed and will always support you. Stepping into this role showed me that it isn’t just a productive working atmosphere, but a deeply warm and friendly environment where your unique global perspective is welcomed. Embrace the opportunity confidently, ask questions without hesitation, and remember that you are a vital part of the team. Lean heavily on the expertise of your supervisors and team -collaboration is where the real-world impact happens
Student: Esyllt Einion
Cohort: 2024
Pathway: Linguistics and Bilingualism
University: Cardiff University
Placement Host: Welsh Government
I feel that the placement has equipped me with the professional skills that a smart policy researcher needs.
My period in the Welsh Language Research branch within the Welsh Government’s Knowledge and Analytical Services was a very positive one. The experience of applying my academic skills to a real policy context enhanced my understanding of how research is used within the policy cycle.
I feel that the placement has equipped me with the professional skills that a smart policy researcher needs, and that I have expanded my professional network.
The timing of the placement also coincided with the Senedd election period, and so it was interesting to see the effect of one parliamentary term ending and another beginning on the inner workings of the Welsh Government. I also had the opportunity to listen to the new First Minister’s address to the civil service shortly after the election.
The placement has influenced my career path in that the experience has made me more determined to pursue a career in the Welsh language policy sector beyond academia. The experience of writing a scoping paper and networking with policy and research colleagues during my time with Welsh Government has convinced me that such a career choice would be very rewarding and would enable me to make a significant contribution.
Student: Abi Palmer
Cohort: 2024
Pathway: Social Care, Social Work, Social Policy
University: Cardiff University
Placement Host: Social Care Wales
I really appreciate the chance to learn more about the processes that go into preparing administrative data for research.
Your thoughts so far on the placement:
I really appreciate the chance to learn more about the processes that go into preparing administrative data for research. My PhD involves an analysis of the new Adults Receiving Care and Support (ARCS) census, and the placement complements that project by giving me insight into the public sector’s role in developing the census and other administrative datasets. I’ve learned about organisational data maturity, data sharing processes and regulations, and how data owners work with secure data environments to protect people’s data. I’ve produced some web content about the project for SCW’s Insight Collective website. I’ve also had the opportunity to contribute to the creation of an animated video about data sharing.
Any advice you’d give to someone just starting their placement or thinking about a placement:
My placement colleagues have emphasised to me that this is an opportunity for learning, and I’ve been encouraged to reach out to various departments to discover what work they do within SCW. I’d echo that recommendation; use the time for discovery and try to have a broad experience of the organisation as well as an in-depth experience of your main project.
Read more about Abi’s experience on the Social Care Wales Blog here
Student: Calum Muskett
Cohort: 2024
Pathway: Sports and Exercise Sciences
University: Bangor University
Placement Host: Welsh Government
Working in a new environment has been both interesting and rewarding.
Your placement role and organisation:
I’m undertaking my PhD internship with the Welsh Government’s Social Research team within the Circular Economy division. My main project is a report titled “Extended Producer Responsibility for Batteries: A Literature Review of Opportunities for Wales”, which will help inform future policy development.
Your thoughts so far of the placement:
Working in a new environment has been both interesting and rewarding. The team has been incredibly welcoming, and the topic itself is very current, which has made the learning curve enjoyable. I’ve had the chance to speak with experts in the field whose insights have really shaped the direction of my work. There have also been great opportunities for professional development, including a course on briefing ministers and senior officials, which I’ve found particularly valuable.
Overall, it has been an excellent experience so far, and I’m looking forward to the rest of my time with the team.
My advice to future PhD interns:
My advice to future PhD interns would be to make the most of every learning opportunity, from formal training to informal conversations, as these experiences really enrich the placement. Speaking with experts across the organisation can open up new perspectives and strengthen your work, so don’t hesitate to reach out and ask questions. Above all, enjoy the experience; it’s a rare chance to explore how your research skills can contribute to real world policy.
Student: Charlotte Cooper
Cohort: 2024
Pathway: Linguistics and Bilingualism
University: Bangor University University
Placement Host: Welsh Government
It’s very fulfilling to be part of the process of turning research into real-world change
I’m undertaking my placement with the Welsh Government, working across the Health and Social Care Research, Neurodivergence Policy, and Cymraeg 2050 teams. My project involves synthesis of available research to produce a report on user experience of bilingual augmentative and alternative communication.
Your thoughts so far on the placement:
I was very nervous about my placement, as a neurodivergent person who’s had bad workplace experiences before, but everyone at WG has been so welcoming and gone above and beyond to make sure I have the support I need and can work in the way that suits me best. Everyone feels very passionately about this project and ensuring that it has a real impact; it’s very fulfilling to be part of the process of turning research into real-world change. I’ve also had the opportunity to speak to so many people and learn about their career paths, as well as attend a WG conference, which has been very valuable.
Any advice you’d give to someone just starting their placement or thinking about a placement:
Take up as many opportunities to make connections and share your work as possible. Colleagues can provide so much insight and highlight new avenues to explore in terms of the project and your broader career path. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need, everyone just wants to make sure the placement is as valuable and enjoyable as possible.
Student: Chloe Thompson
Cohort: 2024
Pathway: Environmental Planning
University: University of Gloucestershire
Placement Host: Welsh Government
“It has been a great way to gain a better understanding … of the differences from more academically focused research.”
Tell us about your placement:
My name is Chloe Thompson, I’m in the second year of my PhD at the University of Gloucestershire and am just over a month into my student placement in the Forestry Policy Strategy and Research team within Welsh Government.
Benefits so far:
I’m really enjoying the placement so far, it has been a great way to gain a better understanding of the day-to-day within the civil service, the working style, and the differences from more academically focused research.
Top tips for fellow PhD students:
My advice to others thinking about or just starting their placements would be to take any opportunities to become embedded in your wider team – go along to optional meetings and chat to people you might not be working directly with.
Student: Sherina Lowe
Cohort: 2024
Pathway: Psychology
University: Cardiff Metropolitan University
Placement Host: Cwm Taf Morgannwg Public Health
The placement is giving me the opportunity to apply behavioural science in real-world scenarios within public health.
Tell us about your placement:
My work focuses on supporting the development of interventions to increase testing uptake for blood-borne viruses (HIV, Hepatitis B & C) among underserved populations, contributing to the BBV Elimination Plans for CTMUHB. Using the COM-B framework, I am gathering behavioural insights through qualitative and quantitative research techniques to identify barriers and facilitators to testing within services such as prisons, sexual health, and substance misuse programmes.
Benefits so far:
This placement is giving me the opportunity to apply behavioural science in real-world scenarios within public health. Alongside that, the placement is helping to enhance my research skills and better understand testing behaviours.
I am thoroughly enjoying the placement, and I have learnt a lot and feel grateful that I am working with lovely, supportive colleagues. However, it has required patience as it has taken time for me to get on the systems, get access badges etc.
Top tips for fellow PhD students:
My advice to anyone starting a placement is to use this as an opportunity to explore work beyond the usual research career path, you might be surprised at the opportunities, and to build meaningful professional connections.