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I am a 2nd year PhD student in the Physical Activity group of the Population Health programme at the MRC Epidemiology Unit. My experience so far has been exceptionally positive and I am very thankful for the knowledgeable but also incredibly approachable academics I get to work alongside of. The support I have received from my supervisors, my group and beyond has been excellent, and I have yet to encounter someone who is not happy to lend you an ear and offer their support. Alongside the variety of workshops, training courses, and Unit-wide meetings, this welcoming attitude creates a productive, high-standard and at the same time friendly environment that I have really enjoyed working in. I feel as if my own ideas are valued, and I was able to develop a project that really suits my interest. Overall, I believe that the Unit offers an environment where PhD students get to approach everyone at eye-level, are valued as independent researchers, and receive outstanding support.
Caroline Kienast-von Einem, 2nd year PhD Student, Population Health (March 2023)
I am a last year PhD student in the Aetiology and Mechanisms of Diabetes and Related Metabolic Disorders of Later Life group at the MRC Epidemiology Unit. Undertaking a PhD scholarship here is the best experience ever where I have been encouraged to pursue my own research interests and have received tremendous support not only from my supervisors and my group but also from multiple teams at the Unit. It offers me great opportunities to take part in cutting edge projects and work with world-leading researchers both in the Unit and globally. I am deeply impressed by the teamwork spirit of Unit members and their devotion to better science.
Chunxiao Li, 3rd year PhD Student, Jardine-Cambridge Scholarship (March 2022)
A wide range of opportunities is opened to PhD students here at the MRC Epidemiology Unit. Each student is a part of at least one research programme, which allows you to work closely with some of the brightest minds in your field. In my idea, the best part of this experience is that supervisors and programme leaders are rather flexible when it comes to choosing your research topic and are always happy to receive your views. In addition, you have the chance to improve both your research and interpersonal skills through the training that is available to students on a variety of platforms. Undertaking PhD studentship in this department has been the highlight of my academic journey so far, and the one that I am confident will have a long-lasting positive impact on my future career.
Shayan Aryannezhad, 1st year PhD Student, MRC Unit Studentship (March 2022)