Are you planning to apply for a AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship (STPF) this year? Or considering it in the future? Whether you are counting down the days until the application opens on June 1, or you have your sights set on STPF in the future, there are plenty of resources to help you explore your options and plug into the science policy community.
Applying this year?
Prepare now and position yourself to submit the best application possible.
- Review the eligibility criteria. In addition to citizenship, work and other eligibility criteria, your qualifying degree must be complete by the application deadline – November 1.
- Learn how applicants are evaluated. Candidates are reviewed in five categories: scientific and technical background, leadership potential, communication, and analytical skills. Understand them all and use it to inform your application and letters of reference.
- Get familiar with the application. There are eight steps in the application. Do you know them all? Check out the handy application overview. How will you respond to the essay prompts? Start mulling over them now. Writing is an iterative process and the essays are your time to shine.
- Rekindle your relationship with references. Who will you ask to be your references? Do they know your interest in science policy? One of the biggest barriers to completing an application is identifying three references who you can rely on to submit their letters of recommendation by November 1.
Applying Next Year or Later? Chart a Course
Planning to apply in the future? Great! You have the advantage of time. Here are tips to plug into the science policy community, build your network and hone policy-related skills – all of which will strengthen your application when you apply.
- Subscribe to the STPF mailing list which includes a subscription to the STPF newsletter, Fellowship Focus.
- Follow the STPF Twitter feed https://twitter.com/AAAS_STPF for current news, events and insights into the science policy world as well as what current and alumni fellows are doing.
- Connect with the National Science Policy Network, Journal of Science Policy & Governance, and Engaging Scientists & Engineers in Policy.
- Connect with current and alumni fellows. The STPF alumni network is over 3,400 strong. You can find many of them on this Twitter list of STPF fellows.
- Attend upcoming Live Chat webinars with STPF fellows and alumni. Join us live or watch a recording on demand.
Learn More About Science Policy
As you consider your career path and the role science policy could play, consider these excellent resources, including opportunities for scientists to engage as volunteers.
- Read Sci on the Fly, the blog and podcast run by S&T Policy Fellows. Posts and podcasts run the gamut of science policy topics as well as tips for applicants such as “5 Tips for Writing the STPF One-page Memo.”.
- “A Guide to Policy Careers for Scientists”: Published by the California Council on Science & Technology, this guide is excellent background reading.
- Check out other fellowships and opportunities such as the AAAS Mass Media Fellowship and the AAAS Forum on Science & Technology Policy.
Remember: there is no single path to the fellowship, and it’s never too early (or too late!) to map out your science policy journey. Regardless of what you ultimately choose to do in science policy, we applaud your intention to get involved with public life and policy!