Science Advocacy Fellowship

The Science Advocacy Fellowship is a two-year fellowship intended for mid-career faculty interested in science policy and advocacy to learn about public policy issues pertinent to the association, to develop the skills to engage in federal, state, and local science advocacy, and to become future leaders in science.

The fellowship is comprised of five components: 

• Science Communication Training. AAA Science Advocacy Fellows will learn skills for effective communication of science with a public audience at the AAA Science Communication Boot Camp program in Year 1 of the fellowship.
• Mentorship by AAA representative on FASEB Science Policy Committee. In both years, Fellows will work closely with the AAA representative throughout the year to learn about policy issues of importance to FASEB. Fellows will assist with writing the annual report to the AAA Board of Directors detailing important policy issues for the association.
• Advocacy on Capitol Hill. In both years, Fellows will travel to Washington, DC, to meet with their congressional representatives and staff to advocate for the importance of biomedical research as part of the annual FASEB Capitol Hill Day event. AAA will cover transportation costs, lodging, and expenses in accordance with AAA’s reimbursement policy.
• Attendance at AAA Annual Meeting. In Year 2, Fellows will attend the annual AAA meeting to be honored at the annual banquet for their commitment to science advocacy. Fellows will receive complimentary registration to the annual meeting.
• Writing Policy Briefs. In both years, Fellows will work with a local mentor to develop a white paper or policy brief of interest to their work. Local mentors must be identified prior to application and will include a letter of reference affirming the mentor-mentee relationship and the willingness to collaborate on these briefs. White papers or policy briefs will be reported each year to the AAA Board of Directors for discussion at the Spring Board meeting.

Criteria and Eligibility

• Must be a current member with at least two (2) years of continuous membership
• At least 10 years but no more than 20 years since completing their highest degree
• Materials submitted by applicant: 
  • Two (2) letters of reference, One letter must be from the applicant's supervisor (chair or dean) indicating support of this extracurricular effort; the other letter must be from the applicant's identified local mentor
  • Personal statement describing career goals, interest and experience in science policy and advocacy, and perceived benefits of participating in the AAA Science Advocacy Fellowship program. Not to exceed 500 words.
  • CV (NIH biosketch format preferred) not to exceed 5 pages
• Reviewed by the Scientific Affairs Committee  

Deadline 

To be determined late 2024

Funding

$4,500; will cover attendance at SciComm Boot Camp in Year 1, attendance at two (2) FASEB Capitol Hill Day events, complimentary Annual Meeting registration in Year 2