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 (deadline November 1) Summer: June 4-August 10 (deadline March 1) Fall: September 17 through November 21 (deadline June 1) Graduate students and postdoctoral scholars and those who have completed graduate studies or postdoctoral research within the last 5 years are eligible to apply. To apply, candidates should submit an application and request that a mentor/adviser fill out a reference form. References can be received in advance of the application and are good for an indefinite period of time. Application materials as well as additional program information are available on the Web at . Questions should be directed to: policyfellows@nas.edu. Below are comments from alumni about the program's impact: "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)."