American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET) Washington Fellows Program

The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET) is a 4,000-member scientific society whose members conduct basic and clinical pharmacological research and work for academia, government, pharmaceutical companies, biotech companies and non-profit organizations.

The mission of the ASPET Washington Fellows Program is to enable developing and early-career scientists interested in science policy to learn about and become more engaged in public policy issues.

Fellows will develop an understanding of how public policy decisions made in Washington, D.C. help shape and impact science policy, such as funding for the National Institutes of Health and other science agencies. Fellows will also learn how to advocate effectively on Capitol Hill and in their home districts.

This program will help fellows develop the skills and insights to become future leaders in science.

Award

• Get introduced to science policy: ASPET Washington Fellows will attend weekly virtual seminars and discussions to introduce them to science policy and advocacy. This includes sessions on public policy and the US government, ASPET’s policy interests (including science funding and animals in research among others), as well as policy writing. Fellows will receive instruction on writing policy briefs that will be published in ASPET’s member magazine The Pharmacologist.
• Advocate on Capitol Hill: ASPET Washington Fellows will travel to Washington, D.C., to meet with their congressional representatives and staff to advocate for the importance of biomedical research. Fellows will receive training from ASPET on visiting Capitol Hill and interacting with Congressional staff. ASPET will cover transportation costs, lodging, and expenses in accordance with ASPET’s reimbursement policy.

Eligibility

• The ASPET Washington Fellows Program is open to any graduate student, postdoctoral trainee, or researcher no more than four years past the completion of their postdoctoral training.
• Applicants must be members of ASPET in good standing and have a strong interest in science and its intersection with public policy.
• Applicants must be residing in the US and working or studying at a US institution to be eligible. Non-US citizens may apply as long as they meet these conditions.