[Taxacom] Graduate Student Opportunity in Science Policy

[Julie Palakovich Carr]

Graduate Student Opportunity in Science Policy

Applications are now being accepted for the 2012 Emerging Public Policy Leadership Award (EPPLA). This award, presented by the American Institute of Biological Sciences, recognizes graduate students in the biological sciences who have demonstrated initiative and leadership in science policy. EPPLA recipients receive first-hand experience at the interface of science and public policy.

EPPLA winners receive:

     * A trip to Washington, DC, to participate in the Biological and
       Ecological Sciences Coalition (BESC) Congressional Visits Day, an annual
       event that brings scientists to the nation's capital to advocate for
       federal investments in the biological sciences, with a primary focus on
       the National Science Foundation. The 2012 event will last for two days
       and will be held on 28-29 March 2012. Domestic travel and hotel expenses will be paid for the winners.
     * Policy and communications training, and information on federal science
       budgets and the legislative process.
     * Meetings with Congressional policymakers to discuss the importance of
       federal investments in the biological sciences.
     * A 1-year AIBS membership, including a subscription to the journal
       BioScience and a copy of "Communicating Science: A Primer for Working
       with the Media."
     * A certificate and membership in the EPPLA alumni network.

Application Process and Requirements:

The 2012 award is open to U.S. citizens enrolled in a graduate degree program in the biological sciences, science education, or closely allied field. Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in and commitment to science policy and/or science education policy. Prior EPPLA winners and AIBS science policy interns/fellows are not eligible.

To apply:

Send a cover letter, statement, resume, and letter of reference to publicpolicy at aibs.org no later than 5:00 PM Eastern Time on Friday, 20 January 2012. The subject line of the e-mail must include "EPPLA 2012" and the applicant's name. All documents should be included as attachments, with each file named as name_document (e.g., Sarah_Smith_Resume). A single PDF document is recommended.

     * Cover letter: Describe your interest in science policy and how
       participation in the Congressional Visits Day will further your career
       goals. Confirm your ability to travel to Washington, DC, to participate
       in meetings.
     * Statement: In 500 words or less, articulate the importance of federal
       investments in fundamental biological sciences research, such as that
       supported by the National Science Foundation. A successful statement
       will communicate to a non-scientist the benefits of biological research
       to the United States and draw upon the applicant's experiences and
       research. The statement may reference local issues and concerns that may
       be of interest to your Congressional delegation.
     * Resume (1 page limit): The resume should emphasize leadership, policy,
       and communication experience -- this may include graduate,
       undergraduate, or non-academic activities, relevant education, work
       experience, honors and awards, and scientific society memberships.
       Conference presentations and scientific manuscripts will not be
       considered in the evaluation of the application.
     * Letter of reference: A reference letter should be provided by an
       individual who can attest to your leadership, interpersonal, and
       communication skills, and who is familiar with your interest in or
       experience with science policy. The reference should send the letter to
       ]publicpolicy at aibs.org by no later than 5:00 PM Eastern Time on 20
       January 2012.

Applicants will be notified by the end of February of the decision of the selection panel. Information about past EPPLA recipients is available at http://www.aibs.org/public-policy/past-eppla-recipients.html. Please direct questions to publicpolicy at aibs.org.

Download a copy of the 2012 EPPLA announcement flyer at http://www.aibs.org/public-policy/resources/EPPLA_2012_Announcement.pdf