AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship Program

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science & Technology Policy Fellowships provide opportunities for professional development and public service. The Fellowships are operated by AAAS as part of its mandate to “advance science and serve society.” The aim is to foster scientifically informed, evidence-based policy and practice by engaging scientists and engineers from a broad range of disciplines, backgrounds and career stages to directly contribute their knowledge and analytical skills to the federal government; to learn first-hand about policymaking and implementation at the federal level; and to build leadership for a strong science and technology enterprise that benefits all people. 

The AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships place Fellows in Congressional offices and executive branch agencies to provide the opportunity to increase the involvement and visibility of accomplished scientists and engineers in the public policy realm. At the Department of State and USAID, Fellows infuse scientific and technical expertise into myriad aspects of diplomacy and international development, from policy development and program planning, to implementation and evaluation. Issues may include, but are certainly not limited to, 

  • Foreign policy and international trade, treaty engagement, and multilateral cooperation; 
  • International aid, physical and human capacity building, scientific and engineering education and research, and development assistance; 
  • Disaster preparedness and response; 
  • Climate change, energy security, critical minerals, oceans, forests, wildlife trafficking, space, and the environment 
  • Global health security, biotechnologies, terrorism and warfare prevention, conflict stabilization, and nonproliferation; 
  • Critical and emerging technologies, cybersecurity, and international science and technology collaboration. 

AAAS Fellowships at State and USAID are open to U.S. citizens who have a PhD or an equivalent doctoral-level degree at the time of application – or a master’s degree in engineering and at least three years of post-degree professional experience. This is a year-long opportunity beginning September 1 and ending August 31. Most assignments are renewable for up to 12 additional months. The application deadline is November 1 of each year. For more details, on eligibility, criteria, and how to apply, please visit: http://stpf-aaas.org.