By Zari McCullers
Calling all grad students looking towards the future! Among the ever-evolving career options for graduate-level scientists, have you considered policy work? Let’s take a close look into the world of policy advocacy and scholarly collaboration!
So, What is Science Policy?
To define science policy, let’s split the term into its component parts: science and policy.
Science is the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation, leading to discovery and innovation. Policy involves creating rules, guidelines, and actions to manage societal issues and public interests. Put them together, and BOOM, you get science policy: a field that merges scientific understanding with the policymaking process.
Science policy ensures that scientific knowledge informs public decisions, guiding the development, implementation, and evaluation of regulations and initiatives. Those in science policy aim to balance scientific advancements with the public’s ethical, economic, and social needs. By integrating science and policy, this field facilitates informed decision-making and supports the responsible use of science for the benefit of society.
What Kinds of Careers Are There in Science Policy?
Careers in science policy span various sectors, including government agencies, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, think tanks, and private industry. Professionals in this field might also work for national funding entities to contribute to the development and oversight of research funding policies. For example, I had the opportunity to intern at the National Science Foundation (NSF) in 2023, where I worked along Program Officers, or “POs,” whose work involved allocating funding for select institutions to elevate equitable research output in target jurisdictions.
In nonprofit organizations, science policy experts might focus on advocacy, ensuring that public health or environmental concerns are addressed in legislative processes. Scientific organizations and societies, meanwhile, often employ policy analysts to bridge the gap between research communities and policymakers. In biotech and pharmaceutical companies, science policy professionals may work to ensure compliance with government regulations and advocate for policies that support innovation in the industry.
A day in the life of a science policy professional can be diverse and dynamic. Their activities often include writing policy briefs and reports, analyzing recent legislation, and summarizing scientific advancements for policymakers. They may also organize and lead meetings, present findings to stakeholders, and participate in advocacy efforts to influence legislative agendas. Effective communication skills are crucial as these professionals must translate complex scientific concepts into accessible language for decision-makers. Networking with scientists, legislators, and industry leaders is also a key part of the role, allowing them to build consensus and drive policy initiatives forward.
Why is Science Policy Important?
Science policy is essential for integrating scientific advancements into society responsibly and effectively. It ensures that laws and regulations keep pace with rapid technological changes in areas like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and renewable energy. Legislators equipped with up-to-date scientific insights can create policies that foster innovation while addressing potential risks and ethical considerations. Policy scientists have valuable firsthand experience and technical knowledge, enhancing the formulation of policies that are both practical and scientifically sound. By bridging the gap between science and policy, these professionals help navigate complex challenges and shape a future where technological progress benefits all.
Can I Get an Example of Science Policy in Action?
This year, I was honored to be selected for the 2024-2025 National Science Policy Network Sci-Pol Scholars in Residence Program. The program, now in its 8th cohort, provides hands-on training for graduate students and early career scientists with NSPN membership in the field of science policy with a 6-week virtual “bootcamp,” followed by a 6-month, paid, remote residency at a partner science policy entity of their choosing. The overall mission: delve into the intersection of science, policy, and society, tackling pressing issues such as environmental justice and energy infrastructure. I was apprehensive about applying for this opportunity, with everything already on my plate as a busy graduate student. However, after considering the program benefits and time commitment, which is 4 hours per week during bootcamp and 6 hours per week during residency, I decided to go for it. Now, having just completed the bootcamp, I can say it’s been an incredibly fruitful experience thus far!
Guided by a shared passion for effecting positive change, my cohort members and I collaborated in small groups to complete policy-writing simulations and present mock proposals for stakeholders. Through our collective efforts, we aimed to shed light on overlooked challenges and champion the voices of marginalized communities.
One of our cohort’s recent policy-writing simulations consisted of evaluating the energy needs of Flint, Michigan, a decade out from its infamous environmental water disaster. The exercise required us to introduce the topic, evaluate ongoing policy efforts, and construct alternate policies to address the needs of Flint residents more effectively and equitably.
Interested in pursuing a career in science policy? Take a few minutes to read through what we came up with in the embedded Science Policy Brief below. If the prospect of being part of creating these kinds of solutions for people sparks something within you, then a career in science policy could be in your future!
TL;DR
- Science policy is a career path that merges scientific knowledge and policymaking.
- Occupations in science policy are rooted in government, nonprofits, and industry.
- Science policy guides lawmaking to align scientific advances with the public’s ethical, economic, and social needs.
Interested in hearing more about pathways to science policy? Follow these links to read more about opportunities I’ve participated in
1. https://www.scipolnetwork.org/spsr.
2. https://new.nsf.gov/od/oia/ia/summer-scholars-internship-program
Also, keep your ears open for updates on the upcoming science policy collective, entitled SPARK, at Penn State College of Medicine, launching in the Fall 2024 semester!
Lions Talk Science 