When I first set foot in York on September 1st for my SPARC placement, I had a clear plan[…] What I didn’t expect, however, was how much I would learn beyond the world of data and research.
(Rubab Ayesha)
Four early-career researchers arrive in York to take a new step in their academic journey. They know exactly why they are here. After a competitive application process, they are excited to begin and eager to learn. Writing to us at the end of their visit, they explain that career development certainly was one outcome. They also share how they gained other, invaluable experiences.
Each year, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) supports a fresh cohort of up-and-coming research specialists through its prestigious placement scheme. The Global Health Research Short Placement Award for Research Collaboration (GHR SPARC) supports NIHR Academy Members to travel to, and gain experience in, an NIHR organisation; a scheme which began in 2020.
In this article, we follow the journey of four GHR SPARC awardees through their placement at the University of York and further afield. We learn about their hopes, plans, and expectations; about new experiences, fresh perspectives, and embracing the unexpected.
The Centre for IMPACT and DiaDeM GHR SPARC awardees featured in this article are Aliya Ayub (Khyber Medical University, Pakistan), Hira Shakoor (Khyber Medical University, Pakistan), Midhat Farzeen (The Initiative, Pakistan), and Rubab Ayesha (The Institute of Psychiatry, Pakistan). We are extremely grateful to Aliya, Hira, Midhat, and Rubab for so graciously sharing their experiences with us. We hope that you enjoy reading their stories as much as we do.
The beginning of a journey
Midhat: My journey began at the University of York, where I spent time at the York Trials Unit and the Department of Health Sciences. Next, I traveled to the University of Liverpool, where I visited the Global Mental Health Program at the Institute of Population Health. My final stop was University College London, where I attended an advanced course on ANOVA techniques.
Rubab: I was excited to refine my quantitative skills, immerse myself in hands-on training, and engage in daily meetings and practical exercises that would sharpen my understanding of complex statistical methods.
Hira: I joined the team in 2021 as a Research Fellow [on the DiaDeM project], at Khyber Medical University where I oversee and manage all activities at a research site. During my placement for the SPARC award[…] I attended two modules [in York]: Foundations of Public Health and Epidemiology.
SPARC supervisors
‘I had the privilege’ writes Hira, ‘of working under the guidance of Dr Saima Afaq.’ Other awardees similarly write with easy and earnest respect for their respective supervisors. It is typical for GHR SPARC awardees to have a supervisor; a practice which aims to enhance the learning experience by providing a designated and dedicated point of contact.
SPARC supervisors: Midhat Farzeen (right) with supervisor Prof. Catherine Hewitt
The invaluable support and guidance which these supervisors offer is apparent in our own cohort’s testimonials. Moreover, we hear how the relationships enabled Aliya, Hira, Midhat, and Rubia to experience, and achieve, key academic hopes.
Aliya: From the very beginning, Dr Faraz supported me — from the application process to finding accommodation — and guided me in both academic and personal growth. During my time there, he even successfully defended his PhD thesis, a moment that inspired me deeply.
Hira: Dr Afaq has been an exceptional mentor, providing daily guidance and support throughout my journey. As a result, I could draft a research manuscript and identify my PhD topic, in line with my experience and future ambitions.
Unique pathways
Every GHR SPARC awardee has unique experience and ambitions which form the backbone of their journey. On their website, NIHR explain that:
The placement should optimise and enhance your research training experience as well as your networks, CVs and career opportunities.
And so, there is a huge range of possibilities available to each individual. A bespoke combination builds the bridge between experience and ambition.
Unique pathways: Rubab Ayesha and Aliya Ayub with colleagues
Midhat: I engaged with trial managers, statisticians, coordinators, qualitative research experts, health economists, digital intervention specialists, and global health professionals. These interactions deepened my understanding of large-scale health trials and interdisciplinary research, reinforcing my passion for implementation science. I also connected with PhD students, gaining valuable insights into the application process and life as a doctoral researcher.
Aliya: One of the greatest highlights was visiting Imperial College London — a dream come true. There, I attended the STATA Module[…] which gave me hands-on experience in using STATA for statistical analysis.
The University of York
The University of York: Aliya Ayub (left) and Hira Shakoor (right) at the Department of Health Sciences
In the academic setting of the University of York, our GHR SPARC awardees found a stimulating environment which engaged their curiosity and inspired fresh insights.
Rubab: My time at York was intellectually enriching. […] Every session pushed me to think critically, apply new concepts, and question assumptions. My days were filled with training, where theoretical discussions met real-world applications, creating an environment that was both challenging and fulfilling.
Hira: I[…] had the opportunity to attend the regular Global Public Health Network meetings in the department, an experience that significantly boosted my confidence and broadened my perspective.
Aliya: Everyone at the Department of Health Sciences was incredibly warm and welcoming. I took the Regression Analysis course with Professor Mona, whose teaching style was insightful and approachable. It was a pleasure to be part of such a positive and intellectually engaging academic community.
The experience
Aliya, Hira, Midhat, and Rubab’s stories all come to a similar point of reflection; the experiences gained whilst participating in their unique learning pathways. This includes experiences with new colleagues:
Midhat: Beyond the academic and professional growth, this experience was personally enriching. I met incredible mentors, brilliant researchers, and supportive peers, many of whom have become lifelong friends.
Aliya: Meeting PhD fellows, learning from their research experiences, and hearing their stories offered incredible insight. Other standout moments were the departmental lunches[…] which brought us all together and showed the department’s commitment to making us feel welcome.
Experiences beyond the lecture theatre; GHR SPARC awardees tuck into a range of cuisine during their stay
It also extends to experiences with fellow awardees:
Rubab: The SPARC awardees I met along the way weren’t just colleagues; some became dear friends.
Aliya: Their presence added fun, warmth, and memorable moments to this journey. We shared not just academic discussions but also daily life experiences that made this journey unforgettable.
Rubab: We bonded over research, shared struggles, and victories — each of us supporting one another in our academic journeys. Some guided me on how to effectively meet research objectives, while others offered insights on how to truly live life to the fullest.
‘This placement wasn’t just about professional growth,’ Rubab concludes, ‘it was about personal transformation.’
The outcome
So, what of the outcome of these GHR SPARC journeys? Career development, yes, but also treasured memories, lasting connections, and personal transformation.
Rubab: Thanks to SPARC, I had the incredible opportunity to enroll in the LMIC Mentor-Mentee Scheme at UCL, where I was paired with an amazing mentor who continues to guide me. This mentorship has provided invaluable insights into grant applications, research publishing, and academic networking, further amplifying the impact of my SPARC experience.
These are the sort of experiences which, Hira concludes, ‘I believe that early-career researchers greatly benefit from’. Each placement comes together in a truly unique way, and each awardee may indeed find that their journey ‘builds their academic capacity and helps shape their professional growth and leadership abilities’.
Midhat Fazeen in Peasholm Park, Scarborough
Midhat: As a woman in research, being part of this program has been both empowering and transformative. Engaging with experts, honing my analytical skills, and expanding my professional network has reinforced my commitment to bridging research and practice in global health. Moving forward, I am eager to bring back these learnings to Pakistan, strengthening research capacity and contributing to meaningful change.
A truly powerful outcome.
Concluding thoughts
Rubab: As I look back, my SPARC placement wasn’t just about data, models, and research papers — it was about resilience, friendships, cultural exchanges, and personal growth. It taught me that learning happens in unexpected places, whether through a statistics lecture, a shared meal with a colleague, or a moment of quiet reflection.
Aliya: From learning new statistical tools to building meaningful connections, each moment of this placement was full of discovery and growth. It has been a truly life-changing experience. […] A heartfelt thank you to NIHR for this amazing opportunity.
Midhat: SPARC has been a defining milestone in my journey, and I am deeply grateful for the experiences and connections it has offered.
Our next cohort of GHR SPARC awardees will be arriving in York in September 2025. We look forward to welcoming them and learning from their unique journeys.
If you are interested in finding out more about the GHR SPARC awards, we would highly recommend reading this article by NIHR. We would encourage you to discuss prospective applications with your organisation.
The next GHR SPARC application window will likely open in November; we wish all applicants the very best in their endeavours, and hope to welcome many more students to the University of York in the coming years. In the words of our past awardees, if you are considering SPARC,
Rubab: Go for it. You never know what (or who) you might discover along the way.
Aliya: Don’t hesitate. It’s an opportunity to learn, grow, exchange knowledge, and experience something truly special.
