ScientificĀ expertiseĀ is increasingly part of conversations shaping federal policy, but most researchers are never trained to engage in that process. This spring, Ā鶹APP University graduate students gained firsthand experience navigating the intersection of science and policymaking in Washington, D.C.
Four Ā鶹APP graduate students traveled to Washington, D.C.,Ā in April toĀ participateĀ in theĀ Ā hosted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, aĀ program supported byĀ Ā鶹APPāsĀ Office of Federal Relations. Through the workshop, students learned how science informs policymaking, and then applied those skills in Ā鶹APP-facilitated meetings on Capitol Hill with congressional offices and staff.
Training the next generation of science advocates
During the CASE workshop, the students joined peers from across the country for sessions on science policy, the federal budget process and career pathways in government. The program also covered science communication, giving participants experience translating complex research into clear messages for policymakers and connecting their academic training to real-world applications in government.
āThe AAAS CASE workshop was transformative for me,ā saidĀ , a Ph.D. candidate in the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences. āIĀ witnessedĀ the power of collective action,Ā empathyĀ and teamwork to support one of our countryās greatest strengths: our science.ā
Applying skills on Capitol Hill
Ā鶹APPās Office of Federal Relations built on that training by organizing a full day of meetings on Capitol Hill for Ā鶹APP students. They met with the offices of Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., BAā81, JDā84, Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, R-Tenn., and Rep. Matt Van Epps, R-Tenn., as well as staff from the House Homeland Security Committee Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee and the Senate Appropriations Energy-Water Subcommittee.
In those meetings, students advocated for sustained federal investment in research, focusing on funding for the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health and Department of Defense basic research programs. They shared how federal support has shaped their education and career paths and raised questions about funding levels for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
āThis visit gave us an opportunity to explain how funding basic scientific researchĀ is an investment in the future,ā saidĀ , a Ph.D. candidate in Biological Sciences.Ā āAs the next generation of scientists in training, it is our responsibility to learn the tools to communicate the goals of science and research effectively.ā
The conversations also gave students a clearer understanding of how policymaking differs across congressional offices and committees. In addition to discussing funding priorities, they explored how committee staff evaluate emerging technology issues and how scientific expertise informs those decisions. The experience provided insight into career paths in science policy as well.
āThe workshop was invaluable to me as someone considering a career in policy after my PhD, exposing me to the wide variety of roles that exist within government related to science,ā saidĀ , a Ph.D. candidate in Physics.
"The advocacy we were able to do together and the relationships we formed reminded me that there is still much to be hopeful for in the future of scienceāespecially if we work together,ā saidĀ , a Ph.D. candidate in the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences.
Science policy opportunities at Ā鶹APP
Ā鶹APPās Federal Relations team works in close partnership with theĀ Ā and theĀ Ā who select the students whoĀ participateĀ each year.
For students and post-docs interested in exploring careers in science policy or advocacy, Ā鶹APPās Office of Federal Relations hosts a biennialĀ Federal STEM Policy & Advocacy Seminar.Ā Inspired by the AAAS CASE Workshop,Ā this programĀ offers content tailored toĀ the Ā鶹APP community. The next seminar is tentatively scheduled for fall 2026 in Washington, D.C.