ACS Public Policy Fellowships

ACS has two types of Public Policy Fellowship programs: the Science Policy Fellowship and the Congressional Fellowship. Please see Fellowship Programs for more information.

Science and technology are increasingly important in public policy. From environmental sustainability to homeland security, policy-makers routinely make decisions that require input from and have impact on the chemical community. Yet only one in five members of Congress have a background in a STEM subject and trained scientists often often lack the opportunity and expertise to successfully engage in the policy process.

The ACS Congressional and Science Policy Fellowship Programs are designed to address both these concerns. The programs provide a unique opportunity for ACS members to gain practical experience and insights into public policy by working on Capitol Hill or at ACS in Washington, DC.

Fellowships include:

• An intensive two-week orientation that provides an overview of the federal policy-making process and establishes context for the Fellowship positions
• Ongoing professional development and support activities, including educational seminars and networking opportunities, continue throughout the program

Fellows may be entry-level PhDs or experienced professionals from academia, industry, or non-profits. Former fellows have covered issues as diverse as federal funding for scientific research, science education, energy and environment, and health policy.