Science Policy at the Intersection of Technology and National Security Shara Williams ACS National Meeting Washington, DC 8/18/09 This presentation contains only the personal views of the presenter.

Discussion Outline Types of work one can do in a national- security-oriented “science policy” career How to decide whether working in science policy is the right career move for you Ways to make the transition

Trained Scientists or Engineers Help Policymakers in Two Main Ways Improving and implementing the technical education, research, or development process Informing policy-makers’ decisions They leverage their expertise and understanding of how research and development happens. 1 They perform general or technical analysis based on their skills and expertise. 2 “Using Science to Aid Policy Decisions” “Making Policy to Aid Scientific Progress”

Scientists and Engineers Can Perform Different Types of Work Related to Policy Advocacy Program Management Coordination Research You can fill more than one role in a single job

Examples of Possible National Security Roles for Scientists and Engineers Program Management ResearchCoordinationAdvocacy Policy to Aid Science Award and Manage Defense Department grants Study how the Defense Department should best support basic research Coordinate an international collaboration to research new technology to detect terrorists Advocate for additional funding for redirection of former Soviet weapons scientists Science to Aid Policy Make decisions on which capabilities are feasible to include on a new fighter plane Research what technologies foreign nations are developing to support their militaries Coordinate a meeting to decide which military-related technologies will be export- controlled Perform technical analysis to convince lawmakers not to pursue development of “bunker- buster” bombs

You Will Need a Broad Set of Skills to Enter a Policy-Related Career Very strong oral communication ability Compelling written communication style Effective interpersonal relations Flexibility in work topics and roles Ability to “understand the big picture” Organization Conscientiousness

1.Decide what you most enjoy doing, are good at, and where you want to live 2.Develop domain awareness and preferences 3.Identify places 4.Meet and talk with people 5.Explore possible ways to choreograph your transition How to Decide Whether to Embark on a Science Policy-Related Career Career counseling Personality assessment Capability assessment Values assessment “Missile Defense Agency” “Milestone Decision Authority” “Maritime Domain Awareness” For example, “MDA” = ? DOEDOSOSDDODFBICIADIANGICDHSNat’l LabsGov’t Contractors Ask them about their work & for their feedback and advice “Big picture thinking” “Oral and Written Communication” “Global issues of importance”

How to Make the Transition (or Try It Out) Apply directly to a gov’t agency or NGO for a policy-type position Find a technical position in an agency or gov’t lab that also does policy work, then later transition within the organization Transition by participating in one or more of the available fellowships designed to attract scientists and engineers Now to look at some of the national- security-related fellowship opportunities...

Provides college grads “the opportunity to gain a Washington perspective on key issues of peace and security.” Selected twice a year Fellows spend 6-9 mos. in Washington Work at a participating organization of choice Usually early career--but not formally restricted

curity/visiting-scientist-fellowship.html UCS also offers postdoctoral fellowships from time-to-time... but not right now, it seems.

Summer associates spend 3 mos. at RAND, a non-profit think tank, conducting policy research. At the time of their appointment, associates must be a current graduate student with at least two years of study completed. RAND does research in a wide variety of fields. All disciplines are considered for the program. Each year summer associates with technical backgrounds participate, especially to do national security work. Citizens and non-citizens will be considered. National security work may or may not require citizenship and a security clearance.

The Presidential Management Fellowship Program hires new holders of graduate degrees in any discipline to work in many agencies inside the federal government Fellows convert to permanent Federal employment at the end of a two year term. Applicants must apply during their last year of graduate school. National security positions may require a clearance.

Disciplines considered include science, engineering, social science, law, business, and MDs Open to non-citizens in several visa categories or with permanent residency. Mizayan Fellows work 3 mos. at the National Academies in Washington Open to current grad students, post-docs, and those not yet 5 yrs. past degree or post-doc

Foster Fellows are tenured or tenure-track faculty who work one year at the State Department Cover arms control, nonproliferation, and disarmament issues Fellowship program targets physical scientists, and also welcomes engineers and other disciplines Prior experience with national security issues is not required. Home institution is reimbursed for salary & Foster Fellows also receive ‘per diem’ U.S. citizens only. Appointment requires obtaining a security clearance William C. Foster Fellows Visiting Scholars Program

Jefferson Science Fellows are tenured academic scientists and engineers who work one year at the State Department or the U.S. Agency for International Development Issues covered include national security and other international S & T topics Fellows return to their academic career after the end of the fellowship U.S. citizens only. Appointment requires obtaining a security clearance

The California Council on Science and Technology sponsors professional scientists and engineers to work one year in offices of the California State Legislature. New program modeled after the AAAS fellowship program California Science and Technology Policy Fellows must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree, or a M.S. in engineering plus three years of experience. Citizens and some non-citizens may be considered Not limited to California residents. Outside the National Security Field....

S & T Policy Fellowship Eligibility Quick Look Scoville PMF Foster Jefferson California ACS AAAS Nat’l Acad. RAND B.S. Degree Holder Grad Student Ph.D.Post-doc Established Professional/ Academic New Professional/ Academic Retired Academic Only

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