Advocating for science beyond the bench for scientists

Students, as future scientists, are exploring the importance of getting away from the bench and into the wider world. This blog series will focus on science policy and community engagement. Read the first article in the series here.

My journey into science policy began during the COVID19 pandemic. I was enthralled with how local, state and federal governments were handling (or in some opinions, mishandling) the situation, specifically through the integration of policy, communication and science. I ended up joining SC- Policy, Engagement, Advocacy, and Research (SC-PEAR) to learn how to break into the science policy and advocacy field.

Pursuing a career in patient advocacy, science policy or science diplomacy has become increasingly popular over the last several years. But there is no direct path or standard “protocol” on how to break through into these fields.

A great way to explore the realm of science advocacy is to participate in courses and committees offered by national organizations. Taking a science policy skills or diplomacy course through the National Policy Science Network (NSPN) can provide opportunities to write policy briefs, practice elevator pitches, hone a scientific policy specific resume and develop and present a policy pitch.

"There is no direct path or standard "protocol" for breaking through into patient advocacy, science policy or science diplomacy."

-- Alexa Corker

Getting involved in your scientific organization’s science policy committee (e.g., American Physiological Society (APS), American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, etc) can allow for a low-risk trial period of science policy and advocacy. These scientific organizations encourage students and trainees to get involved not only in the organization itself, but within science policy and advocacy. This is a great way to determine if this career path fits your vision without over-committing during graduate school.

These committees also offer a great networking opportunity. I had the opportunity to advocate for increased scientific funding with the APS Science Policy committee this past July. I spent a day on Capitol Hill speaking to the staff of Representatives and Senators from South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama. Because of this opportunity, I discovered how much I enjoyed using my science communication skills to convey the importance of continued funding.

To fully transition from a full-time research scientist at the bench into a science policy expert, fellowships during and after graduate school are a great way to get hands-on experience.

Here are a few examples of fellowships that do not require applicants to have a PhD, or for scientists wanting to stay in academia but gain advocacy experience are:

• The Christine Mirzayan Science & Technology Policy Graduate Fellowship Program
• Howard Garrison Advocacy Fellowship
• ASBMB Advocacy Training Program
• APS Early Career Advocacy Fellowship

Here is a list of some great fellowship opportunities for trainees after they have received their PhD:

• AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship
• MOST Policy Initiative
• California State Assembly Fellowship Program

While these opportunities may be more policy-intensive rather than research-intensive, they can be very valuable for scientists both in and out of research. The skills needed to communicate scientific results, advocate for increased funding budgets and understanding policies passed by local, state and federal governments that may affect their research institution, and their lives, can enhance any scientist’s career.