Celebrating five years of the Julia Anderson Training Programme

A woman wearing glasses and a watch, smiling while sitting at a table in a library. In the background, there are racks with books and other items, and the image is slightly blurred. — The late Julia Anderson

The late Julia Anderson

Five years on from its launch, the Julia Anderson Training Programme (JATP) at Imperial College London’s Institute of Global Health Innovation is celebrating its 10th cohort.

The programme offers 12 weeks of paid work experience to people with little or no work experience, giving them the opportunity to develop practical skills while contributing to projects across the Institute. Alongside hands-on experience, trainees benefit from guidance, mentoring and development opportunities throughout their placement. The programme is named after our late colleague Julia Anderson, who was passionate about professional development.

To mark the JATP’s fifth anniversary and 10th cohort, we caught up with alumni from the programme to find out where their journeys have taken them, how the experience has shaped their development and what advice they would give to future trainees.

Explore the Julia Anderson Training Programme

The Julia Anderson Programme was the ‘magic key’ that helped me step into the new industry I wanted to transition into.
Kaede Hasegawa

A group of people sitting around a table with laptops, papers, and pen.

Olly Taylor

Cohort 9 | Mental Health Trainee

Moving to London for a three-month traineeship was a big leap for Olly Taylor. His time on the JATP would become an important first step in his professional journey.

As a mental health trainee, Olly worked on two digital mental health projects supporting young people. He helped develop ethics and participant-facing materials for MindCraft, which is exploring how a smartphone app could support young people transitioning between mental health services.

Following the JATP, Olly remained at Imperial as a research assistant and continues to work on Torchlight.

The JATP was my first step into building a professional life for myself, and it provided me with the right skills and contacts to continue building.

For Olly, the programme also built his confidence in public speaking and presenting. As he adjusted to life in London, support from his manager, fellow trainees and JATP lead, Waheeda Zafar, helped him feel supported both professionally and personally. His advice to future trainees is simple: enjoy the experience, meet people and make the most of the opportunities, but take it at your own pace.

Three people sitting in chairs in front of a projector screen. The person in the middle is holding a mobile phone and a cup, while the person on the left is wearing a white shirt and black trousers. The walls of the room are cream and there is a door in the background. — Olly Taylor hosting a panel as part of his work on the Torchlight project

Olly Taylor hosting a panel as part of his work on the Torchlight project

A young man standing in front of a tree with his arms crossed, wearing a brown shirt and a blue backpack. The background of the image is filled with lush green grass, a tranquil body of water, and a bright blue sky.

Olly Taylor

Deborah Tetteh

Cohort 2 | Mental Health Trainee

Still an undergraduate when she joined the JATP, Deborah Tetteh found something she had struggled to access elsewhere: the opportunity to gain research experience without already being expected to have it.

During the programme, Deborah developed her skills in qualitative research and analysis, working with her manager, Dr Emma Lawrance, Climate Cares Lead. She was given ownership of an evaluation of a diary intervention exploring climate anxiety and action among young people. Back at university, she put those skills into practice with a better understanding of how researchers approach qualitative research.

The supportive environment was equally influential. Deborah recalls academics taking the time to answer her questions, share their experiences and offer advice – an experience that encouraged her to seek further opportunities in research. She also formed lasting friendships through the programme, while its sense of friendliness, passion and dedication shaped what she now values in professional teams and networks.

This programme really tries to meet young people where they are at and offer a stepping stone into discovering what we may be interested in doing in the future.

Deborah now works as an assistant psychologist and is preparing to pursue a master’s in Global Mental Health.

Her advice to future trainees is to embrace their curiosity, meet people and make the most of the wider experience. Having initially worried that she wasn't experienced enough to apply, she particularly encourages others not to let that uncertainty hold them back.

A group of four women sitting on grass, smiling and posing for a photo. In the background, there are people, vehicles, poles, trees, buildings, and the sky. — Deborah with fellow JATP trainees and IGHI staff

Deborah with fellow JATP trainees and IGHI staff

A woman sitting in a chair in front of a book shelf, wearing a white dress and smiling. On the right side of the image, there is a table with books and other objects on it, and in the background there are shelves with books, photo frames, a basket, and other items.

Deborah Tetteh

A woman standing on top of a rocky hillside, wearing a black and blue coat and a shawl. The background of the image is filled with lush green grass, tall trees, and a bright blue sky.

Kaede Hasegawa

Cohort 2 | Digital Health Trainee

For Kaede Hasegawa, the JATP became the “magic key” that helped her take the first steps towards a new career.

While studying for a BSc in Psychology, Kaede developed an interest in data science but found it difficult to gain the relevant work experience needed to change direction.

During the JATP, she received cybersecurity training and co-authored a scoping review exploring cybersecurity initiatives in healthcare in low- and middle-income countries. After sharing her ambition to become a data scientist, she was also given the opportunity to create a Power BI dashboard analysing the team’s software usage.

The programme gave Kaede valuable technical skills and the confidence and foundation to pursue an MSc in Data Science. Today, she works as a data scientist.

The Julia Anderson Programme was the ‘magic key’ that helped me step into the new industry I wanted to transition into.

Kaede encourages future trainees not to be discouraged by a lack of experience, particularly if they are looking to change career paths. For her, what matters most is curiosity, a willingness to learn and passion.

A group of four women standing next to each other in front of a wall with a board attached to it. Two of the women are wearing glasses. — Kaede with fellow JATP trainees and IGHI staff

Kaede with fellow JATP trainees and IGHI staff

Inaaya Kaul

Cohort 6 | Public Engagement Trainee

An early opportunity to gain hands-on research experience would become an important foundation for Inaaya Kaul’s developing clinical and academic career.

As a public involvement trainee, Inaaya worked on a project exploring the mental health experiences and support needs of children aged 10 to 13 in the UK, particularly during the transition from primary to secondary school. The research combined a national survey with focus groups, while a young people’s advisory group helped shape the project from survey design through to communicating the findings.

Through the project, Inaaya gained hands-on experience of research, from data collection through to preparing findings for publication. After completing the programme, she continued working on the project part-time at IGHI alongside her undergraduate psychology degree.

She went on to complete an MPhil in Foundations of Clinical Psychology at the University of Cambridge and is now working towards a doctorate in clinical psychology. Inaaya says the experience gave her the confidence to bridge research with delivery – a foundation that has stayed with her, while balancing clinical training and academic research.

Don’t be afraid to let your curiosity guide you toward unexpected paths; the skills and connections you build here will serve you well beyond wherever you initially expect them to.

Her advice to future trainees is to embrace the programme’s interdisciplinary nature. For Inaaya, some of the most valuable insights came from perspectives outside her own field and continue to shape how she approaches clinical work.

A woman standing in front of a brick wall with ivy on it. She is wearing a black and cream dress and carrying a bag. — Inaaya Kaul

Inaaya Kaul

A woman standing in front of a pool at night, wearing a black dress and carrying a handbag. The background of the image is filled with trees, plants, lights, and buildings, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

Inaaya Kaul

The programme has given me, above all, the courage to pursue both professional and personal opportunities.
Arlette Albert

A woman sitting on top of a wooden bench, wearing a blue shirt and black trousers, with a bag beside her and a wooden wall in the background.

Tania Domun

Cohort 5 | Behavioural Science Trainee in Medical Adherence

For Tania, the JATP provided an opportunity to develop the research skills and experience that would help shape the next stage of her academic career.

Working alongside Dr Gaby Judah, Dr Smaragda Lampridou and Javiera Rosenberg, Tania contributed to two projects exploring medication adherence. She worked on a review of interventions designed to support people with peripheral artery disease to follow recommended treatment, as well as qualitative research exploring the barriers and facilitators to statin adherence.

The experience strengthened Tania’s academic writing and she contributed to three publications, which she credits with supporting her successful application for an NIHR Predoctoral Fellowship. Guidance and encouragement from her mentors were also invaluable, particularly while preparing her fellowship application. She also developed experience in patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE), which continues to inform her research and the development of her PhD proposal.

Tania is now a research fellow at Imperial and the University of Oxford.

The programme played an important role in my career development.

Her advice to future trainees is to make the most of the opportunities available: build relationships with mentors and supervisors, be clear about the skills you want to develop, and take advantage of the programme’s training and resources.

Paula Bradley

Cohort 1 | Digital Health Trainee

Paula Bradley joined the JATP with a long-term ambition to become a clinical psychologist. The programme gave her an early opportunity to start building towards that goal.

As a digital health trainee, Paula evaluated the usability of digital self-management tools for people living with bronchiectasis and type 2 diabetes, exploring both patient and clinician perspectives. The experience developed her skills in designing, conducting and analysing research, while working within a multidisciplinary team and communicating findings to different audiences.

Just as important was the personalised support she received. With Paula’s career aspirations in mind, the team tailored aspects of her training and, through the programme’s mentoring scheme, connected her with psychologists who helped her navigate her next steps.

Building on her experience with the JATP, Paula went on to complete an MSc in Research Methods in Psychology and work as an assistant psychologist in neurological rehabilitation, combining clinical work with audit and research projects.

She is now preparing for her next chapter after securing a place on the doctorate in clinical psychology – her career highlight to date.

The experience and opportunities provided through the JATP were so important in helping me reach this milestone.

Her advice to future trainees is to embrace the opportunities available, be open about their career aspirations and make the most of the support around them.

A woman in a black graduation gown standing in front of a stone wall, with a smile on her face.

Paula Bradley

A woman with long blonde hair wearing a black and white striped shirt, standing in front of a blurred background with a watermark on the right side.

Holly Merton

Cohort 5 | Communications Trainee

Relocating to Argentina to begin a new career was a major leap outside Holly Merton’s comfort zone. But the confidence to embrace that kind of challenge had begun to grow during her time on the JATP.

As a communications trainee, Holly gained experience presenting to hundreds of people at online webinars and in-person events. Initially new to her, she discovered that she enjoyed presenting and connecting with new people, while developing transferable skills that strengthened her confidence and CV.

She also valued the programme’s focus on development, with trainees encouraged to pursue their interests and ask for opportunities to learn new skills.

After completing the JATP, Holly secured a role as a marketing associate with digital marketing agency Brainlabs. The role took her to Argentina in January 2025, where she embarked on a new chapter that has seen her meet people from around the world, work on different projects and adapt to a new culture.

Looking back, Holly credits the confidence she developed during the JATP, particularly in presenting and connecting with others, with helping to prepare her for that transition.

Your development is an important part of your career journey, and IGHI wants to support you in that.

Her advice to future trainees is to make the most of the experience: ask to learn new skills, embrace opportunities and don't be afraid to step outside their comfort zone.

Caitlin Murphy

Cohort 7 | Behavioural Science Trainee

When Caitlin Murphy finished university, she knew she had a passion for research but wasn't sure what her career path would look like. Joining the JATP became an important turning point.

As a behavioural science trainee within the Fleming Initiative, Caitlin co-delivered a project exploring how people understand instructions on antibiotic prescriptions. She also contributed to a global systematic review of education initiatives around antimicrobial resistance, which has since been published.

Working across different stages of the research process helped Caitlin explore her interests and better understand what she enjoyed. That experience has stayed with her in her career: she now works full-time as a data processor at the National Centre for Social Research, where she continues to build on what she learnt during the JATP.

I took so much from my experience at IGHI. Being involved in the different stages of research projects was incredibly informative and inspiring.

Beyond the research experience, the people were also an important part of Caitlin’s time on the programme. She remains close friends with her fellow trainees and says those relationships made the experience even more special.

Her advice to future trainees is to throw themselves into every opportunity and ask questions. Even if they are unsure where their career might take them, she encourages them to use the programme to explore their interests and learn more about themselves.

A woman with long brown hair wearing a black dress and a gold necklace, smiling at the camera against a white background.

Caitlin Murphy

A woman in a red and black dress standing on a bridge in front of the London Eye, with a railing to her right and the Thames in the background.

Arlette Albert

Cohort 7 | Behavioural Science Trainee

Arlette Albert left the JATP with a broad range of research skills – and the confidence to put them into practice.

As a behavioural science trainee, Arlette contributed to several projects, including literature research for a review of antimicrobial resistance education initiatives. She also helped run focus groups and co-design sessions for an intervention that would later be tested in a large randomised controlled trial.

Arlette was soon putting those skills into practice. Her literature-searching experience gave her the confidence to take on research into perceptions of belonging in higher education at King’s College London, while her experience of focus groups and co-design helped prepare her for hands-on dementia research. Alongside her studies and extracurricular interests – including helping to run her university’s STEM magazine and performing in dance showcases – Arlette undertook a placement with King’s Old Age Psychiatry research group, working on clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease and developing skills ranging from sample processing to administering cognitive assessments and supporting vulnerable groups.

The JATP programme has given me, above all, the courage to pursue both professional and personal opportunities.

After graduating from King’s with first-class honours in psychology, Arlette is returning to Imperial to begin an MSc in Neuroscience.

Just as important was the support she received during the programme. Arlette says she felt valued and heard and that her line manager and others across the team were generous with their time and genuinely interested in advising her on her future plans.

Her advice to future trainees is to make the most of their time on the programme: express their opinions, ask questions and not be afraid of making mistakes. She also treasures the connections she made, including meeting one of her best friends, a fellow trainee, through the JATP.

Alice Haigherty

Cohort 6 | Educational Research Trainee

Two years on from the JATP, Alice Haigherty says the experience changed the trajectory of her career and helped shape the young professional she is today.

As an educational research trainee, Alice explored the opportunities and challenges associated with problem-based learning. While she found the project fascinating, Alice says the programme’s biggest impact came from the opportunities it opened up and the support of the people around her. As her first experience of a professional environment, the JATP provided structured support and mentorship, helping her build confidence, expand her professional connections and step outside her comfort zone.

After the programme, Alice joined the University of Bath Careers Service, supporting students with CVs, cover letters and job applications. She later graduated with a degree in psychology and now works as a socio-economic consultant at a consultancy specialising in transport and infrastructure – a field very different from her studies and previous experience.

Despite moving into a very different field, Alice says the curiosity, adaptability and willingness to learn she developed through the JATP continue to support her in her work today.

“It changed the trajectory of my career and played a huge role in developing me into the young professional I am today.”

Her advice to future trainees is to bring genuine passion and curiosity, ask questions, embrace every opportunity and not be afraid to make mistakes along the way. Above all, she encourages them to make the most of a team that genuinely cares about their development.