Science to Policy

Fellowship Program 

UCR Ph.D. students that have completed the S2P certificate course are placed in local policy makers' offices, government agencies, NGOs, non-profits, or other organizations on timely issues which would benefit from scientific expertise. This fellowship program is funded by S2P as a professional development opportunity. 

In preparation for the fellowship, S2P leadership and student fellows will discuss potential research topics, mentors from the host office, and logistics, which will be codified in a fellowship agreement signed by both parties. Over 2-3 months, S2P Fellows will compile and analyze data and information to complete a report, presentation, or other deliverable to be presented at the conclusion of the fellowship. The types of projects and the data and research methods employed vary based on the host’s needs and the student’s interests and expertise. Previous fellowships have investigated veteran’s access to healthcare, constituent opinions on systemic racism, childcare during the COVID pandemic, a report on the state of the Salton Sea, and the ecological effects of illegal cannabis growth operations.

Currently, fellowships are remote, though can involve site visits and in-person meetings. Fellows receive mentorship from S2P professional leadership throughout the duration of the fellowship and have a dedicated mentor in their host office. Typically, fellowships last about 3 months, however they can extend beyond the 2-3 month time frame with agreement from the fellow and host office. If you want to learn more about the science to policy fellows click here. If you want to learn more about their final products, click here.

Past Fellowship Placements and Outcomes