Opportunity

The Gulf Research Program’s Science Policy Fellowship program helps scientists hone their skills by putting them to practice for the benefit of Gulf Coast communities and ecosystems. Fellows gain first-hand experience as they spend one year on the staff of federal, state, local, or non-governmental environmental, natural resource, oil and gas, and public health agencies in the Gulf of Mexico region.

With the guidance of a mentor, fellows delve into activities like policy development, evaluation, restoration planning, grants management, and stakeholder outreach and  learn what it takes to make scientific information not just useful but useable. Meanwhile, host offices get a talented technical expert with a fresh perspective and a new network of contacts across the Gulf of Mexico region.

To better prepare scientists, engineers, and health professionals to work at the nexus of oil system safety, environmental protection, and human health in the Gulf region, the Gulf Research Program will administer Science Policy Fellowships. These Science Policy Fellowships will contribute to a suite of leadership development and capacity building activities by facilitating the academic, intellectual, and professional development of individuals who have demonstrated superior scholarship and an interest in public policy. This educational opportunity will provide Fellows with valuable experience at the science-policy interface through a one-year work experience on the staff of a state legislature; state environmental, natural resource, oil and gas, or public health agency; or regional offices of relevant federal agencies. 

Applications can be submitted through our online application system starting on November 30, 2022. The application cycle for 2023 Fellowships will close March 1, 2023.

• Your resume or CV (up to 5 pages).
• A series of personal essays that respond to the following prompts:
  • Using language a non-scientist will understand, explain how your past work or graduate research is relevant to the mission of the Gulf Research Program. (500 word limit)
  • Describe a time outside a research or classroom setting when you helped to ensure a project or team accomplished its goals or achieved a successful outcome (500 word limit).
  • Describe your professional goals and how this fellowship will help you achieve them. (500 word limit)
• Two letters of recommendation. We encourage applicants to choose references who know you well and can provide reviewers with insights about your experience, skills, and abilities beyond what can already be gleaned from your resume/CV.

If you have difficulties submitting materials through our online application system, contact us at GulfFellowships@nas.edu.