VU sponsoring graduate students to attend 2026 AAAS CASE workshop
Vanderbilt University will be selecting and sponsoring up to four graduate students to attend the 2026 Catalyzing Advocacy in Science and Engineering (CASE) workshop in Washington, D.C., from April 12-15, 2026. Hosted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the CASE workshop is an opportunity for students in STEM and social science disciplines to learn about science policy and to interact with federal policy makers.
During the workshop, participants will learn about the structure and organization of Congress, the federal budget and appropriations processes, and tools for effective science communication and civic engagement. In addition, students will participate in interactive seminars about policy-making and communication. The day after the workshop, students will have the option to conduct meetings with their elected Members of Congress, accompanied by staff from the Vanderbilt University Office of Federal Relations.
Support for graduate students to attend the conference is provided through a partnership between the Vanderbilt University Office of Federal Relations, Vanderbilt University Graduate Leadership Institute (GLI) or The Office of Biomedical Research Education and Training (BRET) ASPIRE program in the School of Medicine.
Eligibility
We are seeking STEM graduate students with limited experience and knowledge of science policy and advocacy, who demonstrate strong communication and leadership skills. Students who attended the 2024 or 2022 VU STEM Policy in DC trip are not eligible for this opportunity. Biomedical sciences PhD students who have previously received travel funds from ASPIRE for a policy-related professional development experience should contact us to discuss eligibility prior to applying for this opportunity. Non-biomedical sciences STEM students should consult the GLI website for guidelines about the frequency of eligibility for GLI funding.
PhD students in the biomedical and life sciences who were admitted through the IGP or QCB must be post-qualifying exam at the time of application. PhD students who were directly admitted to their program must have completed their degree coursework at the time of application.
Application Information
VU graduate students who are interested in this opportunity will apply online through Vanderbilt’s InfoReady portal (coming soon) by Friday, February 20 at 5:00 pm.
When the application becomes available, you will need to upload the following documents to complete your application:
- Current CV highlighting your leadership experience and service and outreach activities in addition to your academic and research experience.
- 1-page statement of interest or cover letter describing why you are interested in the AAAS CASE workshop and how will this opportunity will enhance your career and professional development.
- A brief description (150-250 words) of your graduate research, as you would describe it to a lay audience; for example, if you were going to describe it to a lawmaker.
Please note, although a letter of recommendation is not required to apply, your advisor will be contacted to provide a reference for you if you are selected as a finalist for this opportunity.