Postdocs can apply now for the AAI Public Policy Fellows Program
Postdoctoral fellows and other early career scientists with an immunology background and interest in science policy are invited to apply for the 2014 AAI Public Policy Fellows Program.
The PPFP provides postdoctoral fellows and other junior scientists who are committed to a career in biomedical research with the opportunity to learn about and participate in the public policy and legislative activities of AAI. Up to 10 Fellows may participate annually. Next year’s program will run from May 1, 2014 – April 30, 2015. The primary goals of the program are to 1) help AAI members, early in their careers, better understand the role of the President and Administration, Congress, and the National Institutes of Health in determining the policies that affect biomedical research; and 2) teach participants how best to advocate for, and help shape, these policies that guide their careers. The program will also help ensure that AAI has within its ranks a cadre of well-informed scientists who can help lead the organization’s public policy efforts in the future.
AAI Policy Fellows participate in:
- Capitol Hill Day: Fellows come to Washington, D.C., for a two-day Capitol Hill Day. They attend a training session with AAI staff and visit their Congressional representatives to advocate for biomedical research and increased funding for NIH. AAI pays for Fellows’ flights, hotel, and other reasonable expenses (per the AAI PPFP Reimbursement Policy).
- AAI Annual Meeting Program: Fellows attend the AAI annual meeting (during their Fellowship year), including any public policy or PPFP sessions requested by AAI. Attendance at the meeting is at the Fellows’ expense.
- Communication with AAI Public Policy Staff: The staff of the AAI Office of Public Policy and Government Affairs is in email and phone contact with the Fellows during their Fellowship year to keep them informed and to solicit their views on key topics. Fellows receive, and respond as appropriate, to emails and phone calls from AAI staff and/or other program participants during their participation year and complete a program evaluation at the end of their Fellowship.
All PPFP Fellows are selected by the AAI Committee on Public Affairs. Applicants are required to:
- have received their Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent within the previous 10 years in immunology or a related field;
- be a member in good standing of AAI (must be a member at the time of application);
- be committed to a career in biomedical research;
- have excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
- have an interest in public policy as it relates to biomedical research; and
- submit an application by the application deadline of January 26, 2014
Details are available on the 2014 AAI Public Policy Fellows Program website.