Early-career Advocacy Fellowship

Award Description

The Early-career Advocacy Fellowship is a two-year program that engages early-career investigators in advocacy activities and provides training to help them become effective, long-term advocates for scientific research. Fellows receive mentorship from members of the American Physiological Society (APS) Science Policy Committee and gain hands-on experience in science policy and advocacy initiatives.

Award Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on the applicant's demonstrated interest in science policy and advocacy, commitment to advancing advocacy efforts on behalf of the scientific community, communication skills and potential to contribute to APS advocacy initiatives.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be an APS member.
  
• Be enrolled in a graduate-level program or have received a doctoral degree within the last 12 years.    
• Demonstrate strong communication skills and an interest in advocacy.
• Reside in the U.S. during the two-year award period.

Application Requirements 

A complete application must include: 

• A curriculum vitae.
• One-page letter of intent, addressing:
  • Why the applicant is applying for this program. 
  • How the applicant envisions incorporating advocacy into their future professional activities. 
  • Any previous experience with advocacy activities.
• One letter of support (300 words or less) addressing:
  • The capacity in which the writer has worked with the applicant.
  • The applicant’s demonstrated interest in advocacy and policy. 
  • The applicant’s communication skills. 
  • Other strengths or qualifications that make the applicant a strong candidate for the fellowship. 

Conditions of the Award

Fellows are expected to:

• Participate in a virtual orientation session to learn about APS advocacy efforts and receive training for Capitol Hill meetings.
• Attend a luncheon with Science Policy Committee members and APS staff at the American Physiology Summit. 
• Participate in Capitol Hill meetings with Science Policy Committee members and APS staff.
• Actively contribute to at least one Science Policy Committee project. Examples may include drafting comments in response to proposed legislation or policy changes, developing advocacy resources for APS members, or proposing a new project in consultation with APS staff.
• Participate in a professional development workshop on a science policy topic. 

The award is administered by the APS Science Policy Committee. If needed, the selection process may include a virtual interview with a member of the committee. The award is contingent upon funding.