CHRISTINE MIRZAYAN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

ANNOUNCES ITS 2012 FALL SESSION AND CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

This Graduate Fellowship Program of the National Academies—consisting of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine, and National Research Council—is an early career educational and training opportunity.  It is designed to engage its Fellows in the analytical process that informs U.S. science and technology policy.  Fellows develop basic skills essential to working or participating in science policy at the federal, state, or local levels.

Eligibility

Graduate and professional school students and those who have completed graduate studies (degree awarded) within the last five years are eligible to apply.  Areas of study may include any social/behavioral science, medical/health discipline, physical or biological science, any field of engineering, law/business/public administration, or any relevant interdisciplinary field.

The program takes place in Washington, D.C. and is open to all U.S. and non-U.S. citizens who meet the eligibility criteria.  Non-U.S. citizens who are not U.S. legal permanent residents must be currently enrolled in a U.S. university and have proof of holding valid J or F-1 status or work authorization.

Fall 2012 Session Term

August 27 through November 16, 2012

Application Information

Please visit <www.national-academies.org/policyfellows> for eligibility criteria and application instructions.  Two online references/recommendations must be received prior to completing the application.  References must pertain to academic, professional, or other work-related experience.

Submission Deadline for Application Materials

References Due: April 27, 2012

Applications Due: May 1, 2012

Stipend

A stipend grant award of $8,240 will be provided for the 12-week session to offset expenses.

Questions should be directed to: policyfellows@nas.edu.

Below are former Fellows’ comments about the program's impact:

"This is an important career building opportunity for people interested in the scientific community outside academia.  Even if you plan to pursue a traditional academic track, seeing science from a policy perspective is very enlightening.  There is something valuable in this experience for first year grad students to recent PhDs.  Come with an open mind and expect to learn more than you imagined."

"This program will open your mind to a world rarely envisioned from the confines of laboratory bench work. I learned an immeasurable amount about the policy and politics behind science and after the fellowship opens your mind, it opens career doors."

“In just weeks in the DC S&T policy world, I substantially broadened my perspective on how I can use my engineering background to positively impact our society. I return to graduate school recharged about the value of advanced education, and more confident about my decisions to pursue studies that blend the boundaries of engineering and the humanities. By seeing the connections between your academic field and the public policy arena, you will find many new opportunities for future studies or careers. You will be enriched as a person, as a public citizen, and as a member of an academic community.”