AA

AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships

by American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

The premier program placing PhD-level scientists and engineers in federal policy roles to bridge the gap between science and government.

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Funding

~$100,000+ per year (stipend varies by placement)

Duration

1 year, renewable for a second year

Geography

United States

Eligibility

Must hold a doctoral-level degree (PhD, MD, DVM, etc.) in any STEM field, or a master's in engineering with 3+ years of post-degree experience. US citizenship required. Must be able to relocate to Washington, DC for the fellowship year.

Application

Annual (applications open in the fall)

Deadline

November 2026

Policy & GovernmentScience & ResearchLeadership

About This Fellowship

The AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships (STPF) is the most established and influential program connecting scientists and engineers with the US federal government. Since 1973, more than 4,000 fellows have served in Congress, federal agencies, and the judiciary, bringing scientific expertise to policy decisions that affect millions of lives.

Fellows are placed in offices across the federal government — from the Department of Energy and the National Institutes of Health to the State Department, USAID, and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. They serve as technical advisors, helping policymakers understand scientific evidence, evaluate emerging technologies, and design evidence-based programs. At the same time, fellows gain a deep understanding of how policy is made, building skills that many scientists never develop in academic careers.

The fellowship has produced an extraordinary alumni network that spans academia, government, industry, and the nonprofit sector. Many AAAS fellows go on to permanent government careers, senior policy roles, or leadership positions where they continue to bridge the gap between science and society. The program is widely credited with improving the quality of science-informed policymaking in the US government.

What You Get

AAAS STPF provides a competitive stipend, health insurance, professional development, and the opportunity to work at the highest levels of US federal policymaking.

  • Annual stipend of approximately $100,000-$130,000, depending on placement office and years of experience
  • Health insurance and relocation assistance
  • Extensive orientation program covering the federal policy landscape, appropriations, regulatory process, and communication skills
  • Professional development workshops throughout the fellowship year on topics like science communication, leadership, and career planning
  • Placement in a specific federal office matched to the fellow's expertise and interests
  • Access to the 4,000+ AAAS STPF alumni network
  • Many fellows are offered permanent federal positions at the conclusion of their fellowship

Placement Tracks

AAAS STPF offers multiple placement tracks, each providing a different perspective on science policy.

  • Congressional Track: Fellows are placed in the personal offices of US Senators or Representatives or on committee staff, providing direct scientific advice to legislators
  • Executive Branch Track: Fellows serve in federal agencies including DOE, EPA, NASA, NIH, NSF, USAID, and the State Department
  • Judicial Branch Track: A smaller track placing fellows in the federal courts system
  • Agency-sponsored tracks: Some agencies (DOE, NIH, USDA) sponsor their own cohorts with specialized orientations
  • Fellows typically work on issues ranging from climate policy and public health to cybersecurity, space exploration, and international development

How to Apply

The application process is competitive but straightforward, designed to identify scientists who are passionate about public service and can communicate complex ideas effectively.

  • Applications open in September and close in November each year for fellowships beginning the following September
  • Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent in a STEM field (or a master's in engineering with 3+ years of experience)
  • US citizenship is required for most placements
  • Application materials include a personal statement, CV, policy-relevant writing sample, and three letters of recommendation
  • Finalists participate in interviews in Washington, DC (or virtually) in January-February
  • Approximately 250-300 fellows are selected each year from 3,000+ applications
  • Fellows begin with a two-week orientation in September before reporting to their placement offices

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