PLUG THE POWER OF SCIENCE INTO PUBLIC POLICY

Become a AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow

There's no better way to serve society with your scientific expertise! For more than 30 years, the AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships have provided scientists and engineers with a unique public policy learning experience and an opportunity to apply their knowledge and analytical skills to national and international issues in the policy realm. Career-advancing opportunities are available with Congress and nearly 15 federal agencies. The six fellowship areas are:

Congressional
Diplomacy
Energy, Environment, Agriculture & Natural Resources
Global Stewardship
Health, Education & Human Services
National Defense & Global Security

Eligibility & Criteria

AAAS seeks candidates from a broad array of backgrounds and a diversity of geographic, disciplinary, gender, and ethnic perspectives. Fellows come from a range of sectors, including academia, industry and non-profits, representing a spectrum of career stages, from recent PhD graduates to faculty on sabbatical to retired scientists and engineers. Fellows also have ranged in age from late twenties to early seventies. Regardless of background, career stage or age, successful applicants must:

Hold a doctoral-level degree (PhD, MD, DVM, DSc, PharmD, and other terminal degrees), in any social/behavioral science, medical/health discipline, physical or biological science, any field of engineering, or any relevant interdisciplinary field. Applicants with a master's degree in engineering and at least three years of post-degree professional experience also qualify. NOTE: All requirements for the terminal degree must be completed by the application deadline.
Have solid scientific and technical credentials and the endorsement of three references.
Hold U.S. citizenship.
Show a commitment to applying their scientific or technical expertise to serve society.
Exhibit good communication skills, both verbally and in writing, to decision-makers and non-scientific audiences.
Demonstrate integrity and good judgment, problem-solving skills, and leadership qualities.

NOTE: Some program areas and agencies seek additional qualifications. See the website for details.

Placements

Placements are available in Congressional offices and more than ten federal agencies. The fellowships are year-long opportunities, beginning 1 September and ending 31 August. Most executive branch assignments offer a second-year option.

Support

Annual stipends will range from approximately $68,000 to $88,000 for 2008-2009, depending on experience. Fellows also receive health insurance reimbursement, allowances for relocation and travel (for most agencies), a two-week intensive orientation, and a yearlong program of professional development activities that includes monthly seminars, training workshops, networking gatherings, and a year-end retreat.

Apply

AAAS accepts only online applications. Please visit FELLOWSHIPS.AAAS.ORG for full details on criteria, guidelines, program areas, application instructions, and to access the online application. The deadline is 20 December 2007.

NOTE: AAAS partners with approximately 30 scientific societies that also sponsor congressional and executive branch fellowships. The societies conduct separate application and selection processes and provide different stipend and benefits support. Individuals interested in the Science & Technology Policy Fellowships are encouraged to apply with AAAS as well as with any partner societies for which they qualify. For more information visit: http://fellowships.aaas.org/01_society_partners/01_SponSocieties.shtml.

Brianne S. Miers 
Manager, Marketing & Communications
Science & Technology Policy Fellowships
American Association for the Advancement of Science
1200 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20005
Phone: 202.326.6481
Fax: 202.289.4950
E-mail: bmiers@aaas.org
URL: http://fellowships.aaas.org