SGSSS internships present invaluable opportunities for analytical outputs to be produced that are reactive and supportive to rapidly changing policy needs. As such, the outputs of these internships are likely to be of great relevance and value to the work of policy colleagues and present opportunity to have real impact on decision making. With this in mind, we will develop the specific focus of this project closer to when the internship is due to start. We will also try to offer a choice of the project that they undertake and ensure the project is shaped around the skills of the candidate. Previous research projects have included evidence/data reviews, surveys, mapping exercises and interviewing.
Topics which are likely to be particularly relevant around the time of the internship include work on the evidence base for drug education and prevention in Scotland, as well as deep dives into topic areas such as stigma, benzodiazapines, gabapentinoids and international comparisons. This may change depending on the policy priorities at this point in time.