[Arabidopsis] Science and Technology Policy Opportunity for Graduate Students and Post-Docs

[Joanna Friesner]

CHRISTINE MIRZAYAN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY 
 
GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM, WASHINGTON, D.C.
 
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 designed to engage 
graduate and postdoctoral students in science and technology policy and to 
familiarize them with the interactions among science, technology, and 
government.  As a result, students in the fields of science, engineering, 
medicine, veterinary medicine, business, and law develop essential skills 
different from those attained in academia, which will help them make the 
transition from being a graduate student to a professional.  
 
We are pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for 
the 2007 sessions. The program will comprise three 10-week sessions:
 
Winter: January 8 through March 16 
Summer: June 4-August 10 
Fall: September 17 through November 21 
 
Graduate students and postdoctoral scholars and those who have completed 
graduate studies or postdoctoral research within the last 5 years are 
eligible to apply.  Candidates should submit an application and request 
that a mentor/adviser fill out a reference form.  Both forms are available 
on the Web at <http://national-academies.org/policyfellows
<http://national-academies.org/policyfellows%3e> >.
 
 
The deadline for receipt of application material is November 1 for the 
winter program, March 1 for the summer program, and June 1 for the fall 
program. Candidates may apply to all three programs concurrently. 
 
Additional details about the program and a link to join the mailing list 
are available on the Web site. Questions should be directed to: 
policyfellows at nas.edu.
 
A sampling of comments from alumni about the impact of the program: 
 
"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 PhD's.  Come with an open mind and 
expect to learn more than you bargained for."
 
"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."
 
"Just ten weeks in the S&T policy world in DC 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. I 
feel like I have much new knowledge and understanding to share with my 
fellow graduate students as well as my professors. No matter what field of 
study you are pursuing, there is no reason not to apply for a policy 
fellowship. 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."
 
 "A really great experience for those from the "soft sciences" who have an 
interest in S&T policy or if you're trying to figure out what else you 
might want to do outside of academia. This was a great opportunity to 
bridge the gap and gain a new understanding and appreciation for how it 
all works, the people involved, and the profound difference it can make in 
the end (and all long the way)."