Clinically trained researchers are the leaders of health research for the future, but throughout the world they are a shrinking group. Clinicians are often highly capable and motivated, but given their long training requirements it is difficult for them to commit to the time and expense required for formal research training. For similar reasons, it is often difficult to identify clinicians who have exceptional  talent and interest them in research. Our experience has been that some of the most talented students express interest in research early in their career but find it difficult to identify opportunities to become engaged in research while training. The Liggins Institute Clinical Research Internship Programme was set up to address these barriers. It provides an opportunity for clinical trainees potentially interested in research to gain some experience early in their training with different types of high quality research in a supportive health research environment.