Graduate Student Award / Training Opporunity 2009 AIBS Emerging Public Policy Leadership Award http://www.aibs.org/announcements/081031_aibs_accepting_applications_2009.html
Applications Due by 5 PM Eastern, Friday, 6 February 2009 The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS, www.aibs.org) is pleased to announce that applications are being accepted for the 2009 AIBS Emerging Public Policy Leadership Award (EPPLA). The EPPLA program enables graduate students in the biological sciences to receive first-hand experience in the science policy arena. Recipients receive: - A trip to Washington, DC, during spring 2009 to participate in a Biological and Ecological Sciences Coalition (BESC) Congressional Visits Day (target dates are 21-22 April 2009). The BESC CVD is an annual event that brings scientists and science educators to Washington, DC, to advocate for federal funding for the biological sciences. - The EPPLA will attend briefings by key officials from the White House and Congress and a Capitol Hill reception honoring a member of Congress. - The EPPLA will participate in meetings with their Senators and Representatives. - A certificate and 1-year AIBS membership, including subscription to BioScience and a copy of Communicating Science: A Primer for Working with the Media. Application Process and Requirements: Applications for the 2009 EPPLA will be accepted from graduate students (master's or doctoral) in the biological sciences with a demonstrated interest in and commitment to biological science and/or science education policy. Applications must be submitted to [EMAIL PROTECTED] no later than 5 PM eastern time on Friday, 6 February 2009. The subject line of the e-mail should include "EPPLA 2009" and the applicant's name. - Cover letter. Describe your interest in science policy issues and how participation in this CVD event would further your career goals. Confirm your ability to travel to Washington, DC, during spring 2009. - Statement: In 500 words, articulate the importance of federal funding for biological research. The objective of the CVD is to communicate to policy-makers the importance of fundamental biological sciences research to the nation. How would you convince your congressional delegation of the importance of basic biological research (e.g., that supported by the National Science Foundation)? Prepare a statement that emphasizes the benefits of biological research, drawing on your own experience and/or research area, and referencing local issues that may be of interest to your congressional delegation as appropriate. - Resume (1 page): Your resume should emphasize leadership and communication experience -- this may include graduate, undergraduate, or non-academic activities. Please include education, work experience, honors and awards, and scientific society memberships. Please do not list conference presentations, abstracts or scientific manuscripts. - Letter of reference: Ask an individual who can attest to your leadership, interpersonal and communication skills to send a letter on your behalf to [EMAIL PROTECTED] by 6 February 2009. This individual should also be familiar with your interest in or experience with science or science education policy issues. Note: Prior EPPLA recipients and AIBS science policy interns/fellows are not eligible. Questions about the award should be addressed to [EMAIL PROTECTED] _______________________________________________________________________________ - Communicating Science: A Primer for Working with the Media -- A new publication from the AIBS Public Policy Office. Buy your copy today, go to: http://www.aibs.org/bookstore/communicating_science.html - Receive the latest science policy news, sign up for the AIBS Public Policy Report at http://www.aibs.org/public-policy-signup/
