Award at a Glance
Award amount: up to $1,500
Application deadline: December 8
Questions? Contact: Mark Eichelberg
Who Can Apply: Must be an APS member within twelve years of their doctoral degree or a student in a graduate level program.
Don't forget to check out the current and past awardees.
Award Description
This two-year program seeks to engage early-career investigators in advocacy activities and provide them with skills to become long-term advocates for scientific research. In addition, experienced members of the American Physiological Society (APS) Science Policy Committee (SPC) will provide mentorship to the Fellows.
In 2024 Early-career Advocacy Fellows will:
- participate in a virtual spring orientation session to learn about the Society’s advocacy efforts and receive preliminary training for their Capitol Hill meetings;
- receive regular emails from APS on science policy issues;
- receive an invitation to a luncheon with SPC members and staff at the American Physiology Summit;
- participate in Capitol Hill meetings with SPC members and APS staff;
- actively participate in at least one project with the SPC. Examples might include helping draft comments on behalf of the Society in response to proposed legislation or changes in agency policy or developing an advocacy resource for APS members.
Fellows may also initiate a project in consultation with APS staff, and;
- participate in a letter writing workshop focused on how to write messages to government officials and letters to the editor for local publications.
In-person activities, including Capitol Hill visits, will resume when conditions permit.
For questions or additional information, please contact Mark Eichelberg in the APS Office of Science Policy.
Eligibility
Applicants should:
- be members in good standing of APS;
- be a student in a graduate-level program, or have received their doctoral degree within the previous 12 years;
- have excellent communication skills and an interest in advocacy; and
- Live in the U.S. during the two-year award period.
Criteria
Complete applications will be reviewed by the APS Science Policy Committee. Awardees will be selected based on their communications skills; letter of intent; ideas for incorporating advocacy into future professional activities; and letters of recommendation. If needed, the selection process may include a telephone interview with a member of the Science Policy Committee.
Applications should be submitted through the APS online award portal. Application packet should include:
- curriculum vitae,
- one-page letter of intent including:
- why you are applying for this program,
- how you envision incorporating advocacy into your future professional activities; and
- previous experience with advocacy activities.
- one letter of support. This letter should be short (~300 words or less) and should address the following:
- in what capacity have you worked with the candidate?
- has the candidate demonstrated an interest in advocacy and policy?
- has the candidate demonstrated strong communication skills?
- are there any other strengths/skills that make the candidate a good fit for the fellowship?
Applications are only accepted via online submission.