Volume 17 Issue 01 of the Journal of Science Policy & Governance (JSPG) -- a respected, open-access peer review publication that serves as a vehicle for students, post-docs, policy fellows, early career professionals, and young scholars of all academic backgrounds -- was co-issued for the first time by the AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships program.
“2020 is a momentous year and there is much to be studied and discussed in the science policy arena. This is underscored by the fact that this special issue of the Journal of Science Policy & Governance is the biggest ever to date with 21 articles,” said Beth Rosner, Interim Director of STPF. “Vehicles such as JSPG that so ably push forward the aims of science communication are invaluable to society and science writ large, particularly in times like these.”
“When we first announced this partnership with AAAS STPF in June we highlighted the fact that we were amid a global pandemic, a rapidly deteriorating climate, an intensified global national security and digital environment, coupled with deep social unrest,” said Shalin Jyotishi, Chief Executive Officer of JSPG. “Things have only intensified. This has underscored the need for strong science policy practitioners, which is something the AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships program has done for decades."
"I am particularly proud of this issue, not only because of the wide breadth of topics addressed, but also the critical lens with which authors have connected science and technology policy with urgent societal, environmental, and justice needs,” said Christian Ross, JSPG’s Editor-in-Chief.
“From the analysis of inequitable health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on marginalized communities and critical assessment of key aspects of our voting and judicial systems to the need for more thoughtful and effective oversight of AI in healthcare, and more sustainable environmental practices in light of climate change, this issue highlights the responsibilities of science and civil society to serve the public interest through critical and evidence-based approaches."
Hosted at the world’s largest general science society, the STPF program has helped thousands of scientists and engineers learn about and contribute first-hand to the policymaking process via yearlong fellowships in the federal sector. JSPG and STPF share a mission of connecting science with policy and fostering a network of science and engineering leaders prepared to develop and execute solutions to address societal challenges.