17 November 2016

How to be a Congressional Science or Mass Media Fellow

Posted by Shane Hanlon

By Shane M Hanlon

We in the Sharing Science program often get questions about opportunities about how to be a scientist in a non-traditional capacity, mainly how to transition (or flirt with transitioning) out of academia and into science communication or policy roles. I wrote about some opportunities previously as I, and many members of the Sharing Science staff, have personal experience in this. However, I wanted to highlight two opportunities where AGU partners with AAAS to provide media and policy training for scientists.

Congressional Science Fellowship
As part of the AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellowship, AGU sponsors two fellows each year to spend time in the office of a member of Congress or on a congressional committee. It’s an excellent opportunity for research scientists to dip their toes in the science-policy world in an immersive, fast-paced environment in the heart of Washington D.C. The deadline for applications is 1 February 2017.

Mass Media Fellowship
If you’re more interested in science journalism, AGU sponsors a fellow each year for the AAAS Mass Media Fellowship. The ~3-month fellowship places graduate students in news outlets across the nation, representing all types of mediums, from print, to web, to radio, to television. The deadline for applications is 15 January 2017.

If you’re attending our annual meeting next month, we’ll be hosting a panel with current fellows from both programs. Be sure to check it out!

-Shane M Hanlon is an AGU Sharing Science Specialist