An intensive two-week orientation provides an overview of the federal policy-making process and establishes context for the Fellowship positions.
ACS Public Policy Fellowships
Make an Impact. Make a Difference
Apply your knowledge and skills to address society’s present day challenges with lawmakers.
Applications for the 2026–2027 Public Policy Fellowships are now closed. The next application cycle will open in Fall 2026.
Programs
Two distinctive pathways to engage with federal science policy and make your voice heard in government.
ACS Congressional Fellowship
Two fellows are placed each year as a staff member in the office of a Senator, Representative, or Committee for a one-year assignment.
Fellows learn how government works and how science policy is made, as well as provide policy-makers with high quality information on science-related issues.
ACS Science Policy Fellowship
One Science Policy Fellow (SPF) is placed within the ACS Government Affairs team for a one-year opportunity that is renewable for a second year.
The SPF gains a deeper understanding of how scientists and scientific organizations participate in public affairs by exposure to a broad range of policy issues and stakeholders. The SPF also conducts a fellowship project based on their interests.
Program Requirements
- ACS is looking for candidates with significant familiarity in the chemical sciences or engineering disciplines with an interest in applying their skills to the public policy process. We solicit applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds, including academia, industry, and the nonprofit sector.
- Applicants will be required to submit a resume, their ACS membership number, a letter of intent, and two recommendation letters.
- Interviews are conducted in early spring.
Why be a Fellow?
Science and Policy Intersect
From environmental sustainability to homeland security, policy-makers make decisions that require input from and have impact on the chemical community.
The Need for Science Expertise
Policy-makers need high quality information on science-related issues to inform public policy.
The Engagement Gap
Trained scientists often lack the opportunity and expertise to successfully engage in the policy process.
Educating Scientists on Policy
The program provides an opportunity to educate scientists on how government works and how science policy is made.
Benefits of Being a Fellow
Ongoing professional development and support activities, including educational seminars and networking opportunities, continue throughout the program.
ACS Fellows receive a stipend and allowances for relocation, travel and health insurance. These differ for the two programs.
Visit AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships website for more information on stipends and support for Congressional Fellows.
Find information about Public Policy Fellowships and answers to begin your application.
Is a Ph.D. required for the ACS Public Policy Fellowships?
While most Fellows hold doctorate degrees, it is not a requirement. ACS is looking for candidates with significant familiarity with the chemical sciences or engineering disciplines. This can be a doctorate or a master’s degree with equivalent experience.
Do I need to finish my Ph.D. before applying?
No. Candidates may apply while they are completing their doctoral studies. All requirement for the degree must be completed prior to the start date, usually in the first week of September.
Is U.S. citizenship required ACS Public Policy Fellowships?
No, applicants are not required to have U.S. citizenship. However, applicants must be legally able to work in the United States, and ACS will not support applicants for a work visa nor exert effort in assisting a candidate in their attempt to acquire a visa.
How do ACS and AAAS partner to offer the ACS Congressional fellowships?
ACS manages the selection process for the ACS Congressional fellowships and provides compensation for the 2 Fellows selected annually. AAAS provides professional development opportunities and assistance with placement in an office on the Hill. AAAS also manages the larger Science & Technology Fellowship program, in which the ACS Congressional Fellows take part.
Can I apply for both the AAAS fellowships and the ACS fellowships?
Yes. Candidates may apply to any combination of the ACS Congressional, ACS Science Policy, and AAAS S&T Fellowships. ACS requires that its fellows be ACS members; AAAS requires AAAS membership for its fellowships; other AAAS partner scientific societies require membership for their Congressional fellowship positions. For more information about the AAAS S&T Fellowships, please review the eligibility criteria.
What’s the difference between the ACS Congressional Fellowship and the ACS Science Policy Fellowship?
The ACS Congressional Fellowship Program places two Fellows each year as staff members in the office of a Senator, Representative, or Committee. These Fellows contribute legislative and oversight efforts and learn the inner workings of Capitol Hill.
The ACS Science Policy Fellowship Program places one Science Policy Fellow (SPF) with the ACS Government Affairs team for 1-2 years. The SPF works with experienced Government Affairs staff on areas of importance to the chemistry enterprise and gain a deeper understanding of how scientists and scientific organizations participate in public affairs.
For more information, please review the Fellowship Program descriptions.
What’s the best way to prepare for a fellowship?
Scientists interested in the Public Policy Fellowships are advised to review the eligibility requirements and reach out to former ACS Fellows to discuss their interests. Potential candidates should also pursue opportunities to develop their multi-tasking and communication skills and gain an understanding of the factors that influence public policy decisions.
What have former fellows done after their fellowships?
Past fellows have gone on to careers in government, industry, academia, and the nonprofit sector. Some have returned to faculty positions they held before completing the fellowship; others have used the fellowships as springboards for policy careers as Congressional staff and federal agency personnel at places like the U.S. State Department or the Department of Energy.
What are the stipend and benefits for the Fellowships?
ACS Fellows receive a stipend and allowances for relocation, travel, and health insurance. These differ for the two programs.
| ACS Congressional Fellowship | ACS Science Policy Fellowship | |
| Stipend | Congressional Fellows receive a stipend based on government rates for the GS-12 level set in January of the year the Fellowship begins, commesurate with post-degree work experience (In 2025, the GS-12 step 1 level was approximately $101,000). | Science Policy Fellows receive a starting salary of about $94,000 plus the same benefit package as full time ACS employees. |
| Travel | Fellowship-related travel may be reimbursable by ACS. All such travel must be pre-approved by the ACS. | Fellowship-related travel is provided by ACS Government Affairs. |
| Health | Fellows are responsible for securing their own health insurance, but receive reimbursement for most health insurance costs. | Fellows qualify for the ACS employee benefit package, including health insurance. |
| Relocation | Reimbursement for expenses related to relocation to the Washington, DC metropolitan area is available for fellows residing more than 35 miles from the Fellowship location. | Reimbursement for expenses related to relocation to the Washington, DC metropolitan area is available for fellows residing more than 35 miles from the Fellowship location. |
