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 and contribute to the policy-making processes in Congress. The AAAS Fellowships have been operating for more than 30 years, placing more than 800 Fellows in Congress.

Congressional Fellows spend one year serving on the staffs of Members of Congress or congressional committees, working as special assistants in legislative and policy areas that would benefit from scientific and engineering input.

The program includes an orientation on congressional and executive branch operations and a year-long seminar series on issues involving science, technology and public policy, as well as monthly career enhancement workshops.


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 goals are to increase the capacity of scientists 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 aim 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 a widely-announced national competition 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 $67,000 for the 2008-2009 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 science and engineering societies sponsor Congressional Science and Engineering Fellows® under the AAAS umbrella. Applicants for these fellowships should apply directly to the appropriate professional society. Stipends, application procedures, degree requirements, timetables and deadlines vary. Fellows selected by these societies participate in the year-long program of professional development activities administered by AAAS.