Program Mission
The mission of the ASPET Washington Fellows Program is to enable
developing and early career scientists interested in science policy to
learn about and become more engaged in public policy issues. Fellows
will develop an understanding of how public policy decisions made in
Washington help shape and impact science policy, such as funding for the
National Institutes of Health and other science agencies. Fellows will
also learn how to advocate effectively on Capitol Hill and in their home
districts. This program will help fellows develop the skills and
insights to become future leaders in science.
What Will ASPET Fellows Do?
• Advocate on Capitol Hill: ASPET Fellows will come to Washington, DC to meet with their
Congressional delegation to advocate for biomedical research and
increased funding for the NIH. Fellows will be well trained by ASPET and
prepared with the appropriate message to deliver to Congress. ASPET
will cover transportation costs, hotel, and other reasonable expenses
that follow ASPET’s reimbursement policy.
• Become advocates in their home districts: ASPET Fellows will meet with
Members of Congress in their home district, act as a conduit to inform
colleagues within their departments/institutions about federal
legislative matters, write op-ed pieces to local papers, etc. All these
activities will be prepared with the support and advice of ASPET.
• Attend the ASPET Annual Meeting at Experimental Biology’13. ASPET
Fellows will attend the ASPET Annual Meeting in Boston in 2013 and any
related policy program sessions assigned. They will meet with the ASPET
Public Affairs Committee to discuss their experiences as a Fellow.
Fellows will receive an ASPET travel award to attend the meeting.
Qualifications
The ASPET Washington Fellows Program is open to any graduate student,
postdoctoral trainee, or researcher no more than 4 years past the
completion of his/her postdoctoral training. Applicants must be members
of ASPET in good standing and have a strong interest in science and its
intersection with public policy. Fellows will be selected by the ASPET
Public Affairs Committee.
Application Information
ASPET anticipates 5-10 Washington Fellows Program participants in 2013. Fellows serve one-year terms.
All applications must contain the following information and be submitted by October 1, 2012 as a single combined PDF:
• A letter (no more than two pages) from the applicant stating their
interest in public policy and why they are interested in the ASPET
Washington Fellows Program
• A curriculum vitae
• A letter of support from
the candidate’s mentor and/or department chair supporting the
application. Incomplete applications and/or applications received after
October 1, 2012 will not be considered.
Questions? Contact Jim Bernstein, ASPET Government & Public Affairs Director, at tel: 301.634.7062; jbernstein@aspet.org.