For many scientists, exploring a career transition to science policy after years of conducting research can seem like entering a totally different universe. Yet the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) continues to hear from BPS members who are looking to learn more about careers in policy and ways to explore their options. Careers in science policy and advocacy can be as diverse as scientific research itself.

So where does one begin in order to understand the various roles and players involved? The BPS Congressional Fellowship is a good training ground to see how Congress and policy operate from the inside; it will also show you just how expansive a career in science policy can be. Learn from current and former members of the PAC and scientists from other fields who have pursued a science policy career pathway. Some have served as BPS Congressional Fellows while others have pursued other pathways, knowing their long-term career track would be outside of academic research.

Join us on Monday, September 13 from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm Eastern for an open discussion on science policy careers, opportunities, experiences, and the best ways to get started on a policy track – such as the BPS Congressional Fellowship Program. 

PANELISTS:    

• Steven Moss, Program Officer, Board on Life Sciences, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM), BPS Public Affairs Committee (PAC);
• Adriana Bankston, Principal Legislative Analyst at the University of California Office of Federal Governmental Relations in Washington, DC;
• Yasmeen Hussain, Program Officer at Washington State Academy of Sciences, BPS Congressional Fellow (2017-2018).

Moderated by BPS PAC Members:

• Bridget Milorey, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Rutgers University, and
• Michael Rudokas, Postdoctoral Associate, Yale University

Visit the website for details about the BPS fellowship program. If you have any further questions, please contact Leann Fox at [email protected] or (240) 290-5606. Applications for the BPS Congressional Fellowship program are open now and close on December 10, 2021.