MIT Science Policy Initiative web.mit.edu/spi

Federal Science Agency VisitsSince 2007, the MIT Science Policy Initiative (SPI) has provided MIT students with educat ion and opportunities in science and technology policy.

A new SPI program for MIT students

It is crucial for scientists to have a basic understanding of how federal science policy is made. This is readily acknowledged by leaders at MIT, but pathways toward this understanding are limited. SPI has identified the need to increase students’ exposure to the executive branch and science agencies and is undertaking to fill this need.

Starting in October 2011, we will orchestrate an annual visit to the Federal Science Agencies to provide students with exposure to the federal policy-making process and government career options for scientists and engineers. 

What will students experience?

Over three days, 8-10 students will visit 8 science agencies from among NSF, NIH, DOE, DOD, OSTP, OMB, USDA, NIST, FDA, and NASA.

Each agency visit will include a briefing from a high-level official at the agency and an informal networking hour with MIT alumni and AAAS fellows currently working in the agency. This combination will give students an awareness of each agency's mission and a sense for the day-to-day activities of scientists and engineers working in the agency.

How will students prepare?

Prior to the first visit, participants will attend a briefing to introduce them to the federal science agencies. The session will be led by William Bonvillian at the MIT

Washington, DC office,

To foster understanding and interaction during the visits, students will read materials detailing a current science policy issue relevant to each agency prior to

arrival. This approach will facilitate meaningful discussion and questions about how each agency formulates policy decisions, and it will complement the broader overview of the agency and its goals. 

Benefits to students and society

This extraordinar y oppor tunity will improve understanding among young scientists and engineers of the policy-making process. It will also increase students’ awareness of oppor tunities in government for scientists and engineers and better position them for such a career.

Ultimately, it is to society’s benefit to encourage talented MIT-trained scientists and engineers to tackle the complex problems that face our nation in a modern, globalized world.

Proposed Budget

Expense Amount

8 students Airfare, Metro $175/student

8 students, 3 nights

Lodging $50/student/night

- Supplies $100

Total $2,700

Long-term Outlook

The Fall 2011 Federal Science Agency Visits will be a pilot program, after which SPI will produce a report analyzing its outcome and identifying potential improvements to the program. 

Our long-term goal is to establish Federal Science Agency Visits as an annual program to complement SPI's participation in Congressional Visit Days in the spring. To reach this goal, SPI will seek to secure long-term funding and incorporate administration of the program into SPI leaders' recurring responsibilities. 

INVESTOR NEWSLETTER ISSUE N°3 FALL 2009MIT SCIENCE POLICY INITIATIVE AUGUST 2011