AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships

Fellowship Areas: Fellowships in Congress

PROGRAM SUMMARY: The AAAS Congressional Science and Engineering Fellows® program is operated as a cooperative effort of approximately 30 national scientific and engineering societies that provide an opportunity for accomplished scientists and engineers with public policy interests to learn about, participate in, and contribute to the policy-making processes in Congress. The AAAS Fellowships have been operating for more than 35 years, placing more than 900 Fellows in Congress.

Congressional Fellows spend one year serving on the staffs of Members of Congress or congressional committees, in legislative areas that would benefit from scientific and technical analysis and perspective.

The program includes an orientation on congressional and executive branch operations and a year-long professional development program and networking activities.


PURPOSE: The Congressional Fellowships are designed to provide a unique public policy learning experience, to demonstrate the value of science-government interaction, and to make practical contributions to the more effective use of scientific and technical knowledge in government.

The overarching aims are to increase the capacity of scientistsand engineers to inform the discussions and decisions of individuals and institutions that influence or determine policies and to provide scientific expertise and analysis to support decision-makers confronting increasingly complex scientific and technological issues. The fellowships strive to:

• Educate scientists and engineers on the intricacies of federal policymaking;
  
• Foster positive exchange between scientists/engineers and policymakers;
  
• Empower scientists and engineers to conduct policy-relevant research and other activities that addresses challenges facing society; and
  
• Increase the involvement and visibility of scientists and engineers in the public policy realm.

CRITERIA: The AAAS Congressional Science and Engineering Fellows® are selected in widely-announced national competitions from among outstanding early, mid and senior-career scientists and engineers. All AAAS Fellowship applicants must meet eligibility and criteria requirements, and be available for interviews in Washington, DC, in early- to mid-March.

Fellows are selected based on their educational and professional credentials and references, demonstrated competence in a specific area of science or engineering, ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and leadership potential.


AWARD: AAAS selects and sponsors two Congressional Fellows each year. Annual stipends are approximatly $70,000 for the 2010-2011 fellowship year, with allowances for health insurance, relocation, and professional travel.

AAAS administers the placement process for all Congressional Science and Engineering Fellows® and Fellows are not to solicit potential placements before the end of their orientation (varies, but typically the third week of September each year).

At the conclusion of the fellowship year, roughly equal numbers of Fellows return to their previous positions or other positions in the sector they came from, remain in Washington, DC or other locations working in the policy arena, or go on to new positions in different sectors.



PARTNER SOCIETIES: Approximately 30 scientific and engineering societies sponsor Congressional Science and Engineering Fellows® under the AAAS umbrella. Applicants for these fellowships apply directly to the appropriate professional society. Stipends, application procedures, degree requirements, timetables and deadlines vary. Fellows selected by these societies participate in the orientation and year-long professional development program administered by AAAS, and upon completionof the fellowship are considered alumni of the AAAS Fellowships.