Graduate Student Opportunity in Science Policy
Applications are now being accepted for the 2012 Emerging Public Policy
Leadership Award (EPPLA). This award, presented by the American Institute of
Biological Sciences, recognizes graduate students in the biological sciences
who have demonstrated initiative and leadership in science policy. EPPLA
recipients receive first-hand experience at the interface of science and public
policy.
EPPLA winners receive:
* A trip to Washington, DC, to participate in the Biological and
Ecological Sciences Coalition (BESC) Congressional Visits Day, an annual
event that brings scientists to the nation's capital to advocate for
federal investments in the biological sciences, with a primary focus on
the National Science Foundation. The 2012 event will last for two days
and will be held on 28-29 March 2012. Domestic travel and hotel expenses
will be paid for the winners.
* Policy and communications training, and information on federal science
budgets and the legislative process.
* Meetings with Congressional policymakers to discuss the importance of
federal investments in the biological sciences.
* A 1-year AIBS membership, including a subscription to the journal
BioScience and a copy of "Communicating Science: A Primer for Working
with the Media."
* A certificate and membership in the EPPLA alumni network.
Application Process and Requirements:
The 2012 award is open to U.S. citizens enrolled in a graduate degree program
in the biological sciences, science education, or closely allied field.
Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in and commitment to science
policy and/or science education policy. Prior EPPLA winners and AIBS science
policy interns/fellows are not eligible.
To apply:
Send a cover letter, statement, resume, and letter of reference to
[email protected] no later than 5:00 PM Eastern Time on Friday, 20 January
2012. The subject line of the e-mail must include "EPPLA 2012" and the
applicant's name. All documents should be included as attachments, with each
file named as name_document (e.g., Sarah_Smith_Resume). A single PDF document
is recommended.
* Cover letter: Describe your interest in science policy and how
participation in the Congressional Visits Day will further your career
goals. Confirm your ability to travel to Washington, DC, to participate
in meetings.
* Statement: In 500 words or less, articulate the importance of federal
investments in fundamental biological sciences research, such as that
supported by the National Science Foundation. A successful statement
will communicate to a non-scientist the benefits of biological research
to the United States and draw upon the applicant's experiences and
research. The statement may reference local issues and concerns that may
be of interest to your Congressional delegation.
* Resume (1 page limit): The resume should emphasize leadership, policy,
and communication experience -- this may include graduate,
undergraduate, or non-academic activities, relevant education, work
experience, honors and awards, and scientific society memberships.
Conference presentations and scientific manuscripts will not be
considered in the evaluation of the application.
* Letter of reference: A reference letter should be provided by an
individual who can attest to your leadership, interpersonal, and
communication skills, and who is familiar with your interest in or
experience with science policy. The reference should send the letter to
][email protected] by no later than 5:00 PM Eastern Time on 20
January 2012.
Applicants will be notified by the end of February of the decision of the
selection panel. Information about past EPPLA recipients is available at
http://www.aibs.org/public-policy/past-eppla-recipients.html. Please direct
questions to [email protected].
Download a copy of the 2012 EPPLA announcement flyer at
http://www.aibs.org/public-policy/resources/EPPLA_2012_Announcement.pdf
