From Science to Policy Initiatives: Transforming Research Into Real World Impact

Written by DCLN Lead and Neuroscience Ph.D. Candidate, Alisha Cayce

In a time where politics are publicised non-stop on every news circuit, now more than ever there is a reason for scientists and engineers to further gain insight and contribute our expertise to the United States government and its affiliated entities. On March 20th 2026, I had the pleasure of hosting the DCLN event, “From Science to Policy Initiatives: Transforming Research Into Real World Impact“, and invited panelists who have participated in the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) fellowship program. One such fellowship is the Science & Technology Policy Fellowship (STPF), which gives scientists and engineers opportunities to gain applied experience in government work, while yielding their own knowledge and technical skills into the federal policymaking process.

Panelists included:

• Dr. Evelyn Kimbrough Ph.D., AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow at the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.
• Dr. Mark Feuer DiTusa Ph.D., Nuclear Energy fellow for Department of Energy
• Dr. Kelly Mouapi-Davis, AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow Executive Branch

The panelists discussed how their doctoral science degrees contributed to various governmental initiatives, followed by a Q&A with the audience. The fun began when we broke the audience up into groups and tasked them with deciding how to allocate research funding based on priority and need, which sparked engaging debate and valuable insights.

Below, I’ll share some key takeaways and information about science-policy internships and fellowships grad students can start applying to.

1. Government work can be labor intensive but highly rewarding.

• One of our panelists enthusiastically described how their work in the AAAS fellowship eventually led to their involvement in a congressional bill that was voted on. Knowing that the background research they did culminated in a bill that would aid federal initiatives was one of their proudest accomplishments.

• A typical day working in government might involve disseminating information from published research data and major news sources to summarize into policy memos, reports or briefing documents, particularly if you are working for the office of a congressperson. Then, you may attend meetings with other congressional staff or agency teams like the National Institutes of Health or the National Science Foundation, as well as prepare talking points or presentations at your assigned congressional office. However, if you work for a federal agency, it likely won’t be as fast paced as congressional offices and there will be a focus on developing agency programs, long term policy strategizing and research funding allocations.

2. It’s never too late to get involved in government work!

• I found it very interesting that not only are recent post-graduates encouraged and admitted into these policy fellowships, but faculty can get also involved and go on sabbatical to complete this fellowship. Post-graduates who have years of industry experience are also able to get involved. Knowing this will provide graduates some flexibility to pivot into government work after they have done a post-doc or have dipped their toes into biotech industries.

3. Apply for science policy internships while still attending graduate school. International students are eligible!

• There are science policy internships that students can participate in while still attending graduate school that also allow international students to participate in. These internships give students applied experience into what post-graduate science policy fellowships might be like, as well as further insight on how to bridge the gap between technical science knowledge and communication of science and research that the average person could understand.

To learn more about which government fellowship to get involved in, see the descriptions below and visit their websites to find testimonials and more information.

The AAAS Pathways to Policy Fellowship (PPF) (Eligibility: U.S. Citizens)

This fellowship provides experts from an array of backgrounds and scientific disciplines the opportunity to serve in yearlong assignments that impact science policy across the nation and internationally. 1 year fellowship, $85,000 stipend with benefits.

https://www.aaas.org/programs/pathways-policy-fellowship

AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships (STPF) (Eligibility: U.S. Citizen)

This fellowship provides opportunities to outstanding scientists and engineers to learn first-hand about policymaking while contributing their knowledge and analytical skills to the federal policymaking process. Fellows serve yearlong assignments in the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the federal government in Washington. Each year, the program adds to a growing corps approximately 4,000 strong of policy-savvy leaders working across academia, government, nonprofits and industry to serve the nation and the world. $101,401 – $131,826 per year, along with other support including reimbursement for health care insurance.

https://www.aaas.org/programs/science-technology-policy-fellowships/become-st-policy-fellow

California Council on Science & Technology CCST Policy Fellowship (Eligibility: U.S. Citizens, permanent residents, or those who have a work visa)

During their year of public service, CCST S&T Policy Fellows work with policymakers and their teams to evaluate and research complex scientific issues, interpret data, and tackle the day-to-day responsibilities of full-time policy staffers — all while receiving regular training, seminars with California policy leaders, a close-knit cohort, and career guidance from CCST that sets Fellows up for success. $85,000 stipend with benefits.

https://ccst.us/ccst-science-fellows-program

The Christine Mirzayan Science and Technology Policy Graduate Fellowship Program

We are seeking early-career scientists, engineers, and medical professionals and/or late-stage graduate students with a strong interest in science and technology policy work. International students already based in the United States are encouraged to apply. We highly encourage those with strong interest but little experience in policy to apply. 12 week span.

https://mirzayanfellow.nas.edu

AAAS Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellowship

This 10-week summer program places science, engineering, and mathematics students at media organizations nationwide. Fellows use their academic training as they research, write, and report today’s headlines, sharpening their abilities to communicate complex scientific issues to the public. $10,000 stipend.