Translating scientific findings into real-world solutions for individuals and communities is why scholars get involved in research. But the “how” can be ambiguous. 

At Wayne State University, Science Policy-Network Detroit (SciPol-Detroit) is teaching scholars how to turn their research outcomes into policy advocacy. A coalition of student and faculty scientists, SciPol-Detroit was formed with the goal of advocating for science-based policies and federal funding. And advocate they have, all the way on Capitol Hill. 

Thinking about how your own research could impact the common good? Members of the SciPol-Detroit leadership team put together a short list of tips and resources to get you started. 

5 tips for engaging policy makers as a graduate student

1) Communicate effectively - Practice describing your research in plain language so that your findings are understandable to anyone. Use hard data along with personal stories to help get your point across.

“In grad school, it can be hard to feel involved with your community, especially at a commuter school. Not only do grad students get to be a part of SciPol Detroit, we are able to hone our skills on public speaking about topics we are passionate about.” - Caitlin Johnson, SciPol-Detroit E-board member and master’s student in counseling psychology. 

2) Befriend your local lawmaker - Introduce yourself and offer your expertise as a resource when they have questions in your discipline. Leave your contact information and encourage them to follow up! Keep in touch and be proactive if you see any policies coming down the pipeline that you can relate to.

"Having the opportunity to expand our boundaries and discuss science outside of a traditional setting is an empowering experience. Sometimes we can lose sight of our why when working within our respective research silos, but working to advocate for science-based policies reinvigorates me as a scientist and serves as a reminder as to why I do the work that I do.” - Katie Dwyer, SciPol-Detroit E-board member and Ph.D. candidate in biological sciences. 

3) Get involved in your community - understand how local issues are impacting those in your community and how you can help address them. These issues will be relevant to local, state, and federal lawmakers, so they will be foundational to any policy decision across multiple levels. 

"At the intersection of my identity as a PhD student, a clinician, and an underrepresented person, I have found purpose in policy. However, learning to utilize policy to directly impact the disparities and inequities in the quality of care faced by marginalized and vulnerable communities is marginally covered in my curriculum. I have been able to actionably fill this gap by joining SciPol-Detroit.” - Carlie Austin, Ph.D. student in nursing who is also pursuing a Bridge certificate in public health.

4) Become a part of a group like SciPol-Detroit - and if you can’t join an existing group, start one!

"SciPol-Detroit isn’t just a group of like-minded thought leaders; it's about prioritizing civic engagement as a part of our future careers. Science policy and advocacy is a way to reduce the gap between scientists, practitioners and lawmakers.” - Edlira Sako, SciPol-Detroit E-board member and master’s student in counseling psychology. 

5) Build a network of advisors from across your university - Science policy and advocacy spans multiple disciplines and having insight from many different individuals will only enhance your work. For example, Sci-Pol Detroit has faculty advisors from the Office of Government and Community Affairs, Neuroscience, Biology, Psychiatry, Environmental Health Sciences, and other departments. 

"I now live in Washington DC where I’m completing a Knauss Fellowship in the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Water. My involvement with SciPol-Detroit was a huge part of what drew me to apply to this fellowship and learn first-hand about work at the intersection of research and policy.” - Brenna Friday, SciPol-Detroit president and Ph.D. candidate pursuing degrees in biological sciences and urban sustainability.

Resources to get you started

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) - AAAS’ mission is to advance science and serve society through initiatives in science policy, diplomacy, education, career support, public engagement and offers a number of fellowships in science and technology policy. 

American Political Science Association (APSA) - Their Congressional Fellowship program kicks off in the fall and the training brings together fellows from a number of different programs (including the HAPF fellowship). APSA has its own fellows and incorporates others for an in-depth look at Congress and federal legislation.

American Sociological Association (ASA) - The ASA plays a vital role in informing policymakers on a variety of societal issues, from welfare and employment to health and development. 

Health and Aging Policy Fellows (HAPF) - Focused on mid-career professionals, but some slots are also reserved for postdocs in certain universities (currently UW and Northwestern) in combined postdoc/fellowship programs funded by NIDILRR. Brenna has a contact in Senator Tim Kaine’s office currently completing this fellowship, so please contact her if you’d like to be connected!

Internship opportunities through the Executive Office of the President - The White House Internship Program offers paid internship opportunities in a number of offices. 

Mirzayan National Academies Fellowship - An educational program that provides early career individuals with the opportunity to spend 12 weeks at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in Washington, D.C.

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education - Fellowship program with openings in agencies like EPA, Department of Energy, and others. Great way to get your foot in the door for possible full-time employment after graduating with a bachelors or graduate degree.

Pathways Program - Internships and career opportunities through the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. 

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Fellows - This is for mid-career professionals, but really good to keep on your radar if you are a health-professional or health research. This also uses the APSA fellowship training program.​

Sea Grant Knauss Fellowship - Ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resource management experience for graduate students. 

Written by Kristy Case, Web Writer/Editor, Graduate School; Katie Dwyer, SciPol-Detroit E-board member and Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Biological Sciences; Brenna Friday, SciPol-Detroit president and Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Biological Sciences; and Clara G. Zundel, Ph.D., SciPol-Detroit postdoctoral liaison and postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences.