The knowledge that scientists and engineers can supply policymakers is invaluable when thinking about shaping the future of the country. Scientists with expertise in a broad range of topics are important players not only in the lab environment but have great influence when contributing to conversations surrounding policy in their field. Policymakers are interested in the information from scientific experts to improve on their knowledge and the quality of their decisions. However, in order to do this, there must be a strong line of communication between lawmakers and scientific and technological research. Therefore, science policy experts build those connections using their skills as science communicators to effectively and efficiently get their point across to lawmakers and the public.
Many people around the globe have always been immersed in their research contributions to their academic fields, but some students want to make their research impact go further than a publication. For those who are interested in learning about the ins and outs of science policy, this resource is an introduction into the detailed mechanics of how policy and science meet at every level of government. Modules will guide you through each branch of government and where science policy is integrated into the system, as well as giving you real-life examples of student groups and individuals around the United States who are taking science policy and advocacy into their own hands.
To this end, this resource’s modules include:
Module 1 introduces key terms and concepts that will help build the foundation for your understanding of science policy. Including concrete examples of where science policy shows up in daily life to problem solving tough issues that exist in university science policy groups, this module provides an overview of the 5Ws of science policy.
A summary of all executive institutions that govern STEM policies and funds.
A summary of the congressional committees and hearings that involve science policy.
Module 4: the Judicial Branch
Coming Soon!
Module 5 summarizes the structure and function of state, local and tribal governments located in the United States. How to successfully interact with these governments to advance science policy locally is also introduced.
Communicating Science examines ways in which scientists can effectively communicate scientific information to policymakers and other non-scientific audiences. This module explores a variety of communication tools for successfully delivering your message.
Futures in Science Policy examines Advocacy, Advising, and Actuation and provides activities to help you get hands-on experience in these diverse areas. These activities double as great cv/resume elements to boost your career perspectives.
The Scientific Community and Policy explores the structure and function of various scientific institutions, highlighting the many ways the scientific community interfaces with policy to advance organizational priorities. This module also provides ways in which you can contribute to your scientific community through policy initiatives.
Science is not the only factor in policymaking and is not immune from broader social forces. This module introduces how policy incorporates scientific knowledge in light of cultural values, popular opinion, and limits in the scientific process.
Economics of Science Policy examines the role of funding in the science and technology enterprise as well as highlights the role and importance of social science studies of how science is performed in drafting informed science policies.
Module 11: Science Policy Frontiers
Coming Soon!
This resource on science policy training and education is provided to you by the National Science Policy Network (NSPN) Graduate Education Committee. The National Science Policy Network is a non-profit organization that’s driven to engage early career scientists and engineers in the process of policy through science policy and advocacy training, networking events, and scholarship opportunities. To learn more about NSPN or to find a science policy student group near you, check out their website.
