Christine Mirzayan Science and Technology Policy Graduate Fellowship Program

Launched in 1997, the Christine Mirzayan Science & Technology Policy Graduate Fellowship Program is a full-time, hands-on training and 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, DC learning about science and technology policy and the role that scientists and engineers play in advising the nation.

Each year, applicants from around the world join a National Academies unit where they are assigned to a mentor and learn about the world of science and technology policy. An immersive experience, the goals of the Mirzayan Fellowship are to help Fellows:

• Deepen their understanding of science and technology policy;
• Discover new career paths that engage both science and policy communities;
• Understand the role that scientists and engineers play in advising the nation by working closely with a mentor within the National Academies;
• Expand their perception of how the science and technology ecosystem operates in Washington, DC by attending meetings and policy-related activities outside of the National Academies;
• Obtain essential skills and knowledge needed to work in science policy at the federal, state, or local levels; and
• Build a network of Fellows and program alumni who will stay connected with each other and with the Academies.

Eligibility Requirements

We are seeking early-career scientists, engineers, and medical professionals and/or late-stage graduate students with a strong interest in science and technology policy work. International students already based in the United States and individuals with under-represented backgrounds in the sciences, engineering, and medicine are encouraged to apply. We highly encourage those with strong interest but little experience in policy to apply.

Applicants will not be discriminated against based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Mirzayan Fellowship is open to applicants who meet the following criteria:

• Able to attend the full 12-week program in-person in Washington, D.C. from March 4 – May 24, 2024.
• Are one of the following:
  • Current graduate, postdoctoral, or professional school student pursuing a terminal degree (e.g., Ph. D, M.D., etc.) in any discipline within the sciences, engineering, or medicine (including the social sciences);OR
  • Have obtained their terminal degree or completed post-doctoral/medical doctor training within the last five (5) years in any discipline within the sciences, engineering, or medicine (including the social sciences). Note: Applicants who exceed this limit due to caregiving leave or military service can still apply.
• Are based in the United States and do not require visa sponsorship from the National Academies in order to remain in the U.S. during the program dates.

Application Requirements

• Short Bio (maximum 250 words)
• Short CV (maximum 3 pages, PDF)
• Preferred program units (Choose 5)
• Two references, which demonstrate how you fulfill the selection criteria outlined in the Selection Process section below. (maximum 2 pages per letter, PDF).
  • Note: We recommend that current graduate students include one letter from an academic advisor who knows them well and can confirm the anticipated degree completion date.
• Statement of Interest (maximum 500 words)

Selection Process

The Mirzayan Fellowship selection process is a merit-based, open competition based on applications generated by interested individuals. After the deadline, alumni and staff readers will review all eligible applications. Following this review, prospective mentors will be invited to review applicant materials, focusing on applicants who selected their host unit as one of their five preferred placements. Semi-finalists selected by each mentor will participate in virtual interviews with program staff and prospective mentors before final placements are made.

The following criteria will be used to evaluate eligible applications and must be addressed by your essay and/or reference letters:

• Demonstrated interest science and technology policy;
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively in a professional team;
• Alignment between personal/professional goals and the scope of the program;
• Ability to take a self-directed approach to networking and engagement with policy experts within and outside of the National Academies; and
• Suitability for one or more of the available mentor units.

International students already based in the United States and individuals with under-represented backgrounds in the sciences, engineering, and medicine are encouraged to apply. Applicants with limited previous experience working in Washington, D.C. and/or the federal government will be prioritized. Candidates deviating significantly from the expected profile must demonstrate a reasonable case for consideration through their submitted application.