The past two decades have seen increased collaborations between scientists and policymakers. As these collaborations increase, so does the need for specialized training that will better prepare STEM grad students and postdocs for science advocacy and careers in public policy. UCI Public Policy Prep (P3), organized and funded by GPS-BIOMED, is designed to meet this need. We are thrilled to unveil our newest program that will incorporate: public policy seminars, communication workshops, trainee working groups led by local advocacy groups or campus partners, and visits to Sacramento & Washington D.C.
P3 GOALS:
- Increase knowledge of & experience with public policy processes
- Increase knowledge of & experience with advocacy related to science policy
- Develop the ability of trainees to communicate effectively with members in the policy arena
APPROACH: We have designed a three-tiered program, which fuses learning and practice. Trainees can choose their degree of participation within the following tiers.
- Tier 1 (Fall 2017): Trainees gain foundational knowledge and skills by attending a series of seminars and workshops.
- Tier 2 (W, Sp, Su 2018): Trainees apply newly gained information and skills by examining specific issues in small working groups. These groups will be mentored by our community & campus partners including: Alzheimer’s OC, Cancer Action Network, RAND corporation, UCI MIND, UCI CNLM, UCI Environmental Health Sciences and UCI Community & Government Relations.
- Tier 3 (Spring 2018): Select trainees who show outstanding dedication and teamwork meet with legislators, staffers and policymakers at the local, state and federal level. All working groups present their projects at an end-of-year reception.
Tier 1: Building a Foundation (Fall & Winter 2017)
Monday, September 25th: Program Overview & Alzheimer’s OC Call to Action (12-1PM, NS2-1201, lunch provided)
- Summary Materials: UCI P3_Program Overview_with notes
- Alzheimer’s Orange County policy project summary: AD-OC_leg info_pg 1; AD-OC_leg info_pg.2
Monday, October 2nd: Introduction to Science Policy & Advocacy (12-1PM, NS2-4201, lunch provided)
- Summary Materials: The policy cycle_pg.1; The policy cycle_pg.2
Monday, October 9th: Know Your Audience: Understanding the Politician (12-1PM, NS2-4201, lunch provided)
- Summary Materials: Know Your Audience Politician_P3_Slides&Notes_Gormley
- Supporting Materials: DoingSciPolicy_Gormley
**Friday, November 3rd: How Science Policy is Crafted & Career Opportunities for Scientists (12-1:30PM, NS2-4201, lunch provided) **All attendees can network with speakers at a coffee chat (2-3:30PM) & happy hour (5:30PM) following the seminar
- Summary Materials: Science Policy Careers
- Supporting Materials: CCST Science Fellows Brochure
Monday, November 6th: Effective Writing for Public Policy (12-1PM, NS2-4201, lunch provided)
- Summary Materials: Effective Writing for Policy_with notes
**Thursday, November 9th: U.S. Science Policy: Advocating for Science in an Era of Polarized Politics and Constrained Budgets (12-1:30PM, CALIT2 Auditorium, lunch provided) **All attendees can network with Toby at a coffee chat (2-3:30PM) & happy hour (5:30PM) following the seminar.
- Summary Materials: US Sci Pol_Toby Smith
Monday, November 20th: The Impact of Science & Technology in Advocacy (12-1PM, NS1-1114, lunch provided)
- Summary Materials: UCI November Outreach_2017
Friday, March 23rd: History of the FDA & Opportunities for Trainees (12-1PM, NS2-4201, lunch provided)
- Summary Materials: Life Beyond the PhD at the FDA
- Summary Materials: FDA History_Past, Present and Future
Tier 2: Experiential Learning Through Teamwork (Winter, Spring, Summer 2018)
Within Tier 2 trainees will engage in working groups focused on self-identified interests or activities of our advocacy partners, which include: Alzheimer’s OC, Cancer Action Network, RAND Corporation, UCI MIND, UCI CNLM, UCI Environmental Health Sciences and UCI Community & Government Relations. Prior to the formation of the working groups, trainees will participate in a networking event to facilitate the organic assembly of these groups. Once formed, groups must identify specific policy issues, devise talking points and decide on dissemination methods. These methods may include speaking with appropriate stakeholders, writing op-eds, and responding to Dear Colleague letters. A campus mentor or community partner will be assigned to each group to aid during this process.
A detailed schedule of Tier 2 can be found here: UCI P3_Capstone Project Meetings_CORRECT DATES
Tier 3: Science Policy & Advocacy in Action (Spring 2018)
In partnership with UCI Community and Government Relations, select trainees will have the chance to meet with legislators, staffers or other policymakers who are directly linked to policy issues explored during working group research projects. These visits can occur locally, at the state capitol or in Washington D.C. Trainees who are selected will be highly engaged participants who show outstanding dedication, leadership and teamwork throughout their time in P3. **P3 will conclude with a networking & outreach forum bringing together trainees, UCI faculty members, community members and local policymakers. At this event, working groups will be encouraged to present brief overviews of the projects they worked on.**
UCI P3 was created by GPS-BIOMED & is funded by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund.