*************** CHRISTINE MIRZAYAN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM ANNOUNCES ITS 2012 SESSIONS AND CALL FOR APPLICATIONS www.national-academies.org/policyfellows 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 its Fellows in the analytical process that informs U.S. science and technology policy. Fellows develop basic skills essential to working or participating in science policy at the federal, state, or local levels. Eligibility Graduate and professional school students and those who have completed graduate studies (degree awarded) within the last five years are eligible to apply. Areas of study may include any social/behavioral science, medical/health discipline, physical or biological science, any field of engineering, law/business/public administration, or any relevant interdisciplinary field. The program takes place in Washington, D.C. and is open to all U.S. and non-U.S. citizens who meet the criteria. Non-U.S. citizens who are not U.S. legal permanent residents must be currently enrolled in a U.S. university and have proof of holding valid J-1 or F-1 status or work authorization. 2012 Session Dates Winter/Spring: January 23 through April 13, 2012 Fall: August 27 through November 16, 2012 Application Information Please visit for eligibility criteria, application instructions, and access to the online application and reference forms. Please note the requirement for submission of online recommendation/reference forms from professors, mentors, or advisers. Submission Deadline for Application Materials Winter/spring session: OCTOBER 1, 2011 Fall session: MAY 1, 2012 (Application available in early 2012) Stipend A stipend grant award of $8,240 will be provided for the 12-week session to offset expenses. Questions should be directed to: policyfellows@nas.edu. Below are former Fellows’ comments 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 PhDs. Come with an open mind and expect to learn more than you imagined." "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." “In just weeks in the DC S&T policy world, I 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. 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).”