The American Society of Mammalogists is pleased to announce that its committee is accepting applications for the 2018 ASM Student Science Policy Award. This award is offered in collaboration with the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS). The award enables graduate students with an interest in both science policy and mammalogy to participate in AIBS Congressional Visits Day with travel expenses paid. Congressional Visits Day will be held in Washington, D.C. during April 2018. During the event, recipients will receive advocacy and communications training to prepare for meetings with congressional policymakers and federal agency scientists concerning research and budget priorities. A full day will be spent on Capitol Hill meeting with members of Congress and their staff to discuss the importance of federal investment in the biological sciences.
Recipients of this award also will receive a one-year membership in AIBS, an online subscription to the journal BioScience, and a copy of Communicating Science: A Primer for Working with the Media. They also will receive an award certificate upon completion of the public policy leadership training and recognition during the annual members meeting of ASM. All graduate students who are members of the American Society of Mammalogists are encouraged to apply. You must obtain membership prior to submission of your application to be considered. Student online membership is available for $25 (http://www.mammalsociety.org/membership). To apply: See below or our website (http://www.mammalsociety.org/committees/student-science-policy- award#tab6) for application details. Send a cover letter, one-page policy statement, resume, and one letter of reference to ssmileywalters[AT]valenciacollege.edu no later than 11:59 PM Eastern Time on Friday, 26 January 2018. The subject line of the email must include “ASM Student Science Policy Award” and the applicant’s name (e.g. ASM Student Science Policy Award- J. Smith). All documents should be included in a single PDF document with the format Applicantfirstname_Lastname_Application.pdf (e.g. Jane_Smith_Application.pdf). Letters of reference emailed separately from the application will be considered provided they use the same subject line and clearly identify the applicant. •Cover Letter: Describe your interest in science policy and how this experience will further your career goals. Confirm your ability to commit to travel to Washington D.C. in Spring 2018 to participate in the event (anticipated dates are April 16-18, 2018). •One-page Statement: In 500 words or less, articulate the importance of federal support of research in the biological sciences, particularly mammalogy. A successful statement will communicate the significance of such research to a non-scientist audience, drawing upon the applicant’s experiences and research. The statement can also reference local issues that may be of interest to your Congressional delegation. •Resume (two-page limit): The resume should emphasize leadership, policy experience, and communication experience. This may include graduate, undergraduate, or non-academic activities, relevant education, work experience, honors and awards, and membership in scientific societies. Conference presentations and scientific manuscripts should be included if they are relevant to the science-policy interface. •Letter of Reference: A reference letter should be provided by an individual who can attest to your leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills. The writer should be someone who is familiar with your interest in or experience with science policy. Applicants will be notified in February 2018 of the decision of the ASM selection committee. Please direct questions to: ssmileywalters[AT]valenciacollege.edu
