Founded in the fall of 2017, Engaging Scientists in Policy and Advocacy (ESPA) aims to promote the participation of scientists, engineers, and other STEM professionals in policy and advocacy. We are a graduate student-led, interdisciplinary group of undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, faculty, and staff at the University of Michigan, ranging from biomedical and environmental science to health and public policy. The goals of this group is to provide training and implementation for two essential skills:

1. Effective science advocacy and communication

2. Comprehension and analysis of science policy

The above skills are vital for the professional development of aspiring science policy professionals, as well as the engagement of scientists as public citizens. Additionally, many of our events help members engage with the public and government, providing valuable opportunities to build trust in scientists and science.