Science Policy: A World of Opportunities

Opportunities are everywhere for scientists to engage in public policy, whether they stay at the bench or decide to move directly into the policy arena. In its 19th year, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Christine Mirzayan Science and Technology Policy Graduate Fellowship Program provides early career individuals with the opportunity to spend 12 weeks at the Academies in Washington, DC learning about science and technology policy and the role that scientists and engineers play in advising the nation. Fellows leave the program prepared to engage in policy whether in DC, at the international level, or at the state and local level back at their home institutions. This discussion will explore these opportunities and highlight some of the positions pursued by Mirzayan alumni.