The AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship is one of the most respected pathways for US scientists and engineers to directly shape federal policy. Fellows are placed inside executive-branch agencies, congressional offices, and federal departments across Washington DC, where they serve as scientific advisors and technical experts for a full policy year.
This fellowship is open to US citizens only (dual citizenship accepted; permanent residents are not eligible) and is completely free to apply.
Quick Facts
- Opportunity Type: Science and Technology Policy Fellowship
- Host Organization: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
- Location: Washington, D.C., USA
- Mode: Primarily in-person, depending on the placement
- Duration: 1 year, from September 1, 2027, to August 31, 2028
- Nationality: U.S. citizens only
- Age Requirement: None
- Minimum Degree Required: A doctoral-level degree (PhD, ScD, MD, DVM, EdD, PharmD, or equivalent qualifying degree) in an eligible discipline; engineers may qualify with a master’s degree in engineering plus at least 3 years of professional engineering experience
- Work Experience:
- For Ph.D. / Terminal Degree Holders: No prior professional work experience is required.
- For master’s in engineering Holders: A minimum of 3 years of professional engineering work experience is strictly required in addition to the master’s degree.
- Research/Policy Experience: Previous policy experience is not required, but applicants should demonstrate an understanding of how science relates to public policy
- Focus Areas: Science policy, technology policy, artificial intelligence, health, environment, energy, national security, and other public-interest issues
- Financial Support: Paid fellowship with a stipend or salary, depending on the placement and compensation arrangement
- Stipend/Salary: Based on the applicable AAAS stipend level or federal compensation arrangement; the exact amount varies by experience and placement
- Application Fee: Free
- Application Deadline: November 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET)
- Recommendation Letters: Three per fellowship-area application, due by the application deadline
- Fellowship Start Date: September 1, 2027
What Is This Opportunity?
The AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship (STPF) has placed scientists, engineers, and other technical experts inside the US federal government for more than 50 years. Fellows spend a full policy year embedded in federal agencies — from the Department of State to NASA, the Department of Energy, the National Institutes of Health, and congressional offices — contributing their expertise to real policy decisions and gaining first-hand experience of how science and government work together.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must be US citizens at the time of application. Dual citizenship is accepted; permanent residents are not eligible. Candidates should hold a doctoral-level degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent) or equivalent professional experience in science, engineering, or a related technical field. Both early-career and mid-career professionals are encouraged to apply.
What Do You Get?
Fellows receive a placement in a US federal agency or congressional office in Washington DC for the 2027–28 policy year. Stipend and benefit details are not specified by the host for the current cycle — visit the official application portal for current compensation information. Fellows also gain access to a global network of more than 4,000 AAAS fellowship alumni spanning science, policy, and diplomacy.
What Will You Do?
As an AAAS Fellow, you will be assigned to a host agency in Washington DC and contribute your scientific expertise to policy work every day. Roles vary by placement but include advising on legislation, informing federal R&D programmes, contributing to regulatory decisions, and engaging with congressional staff on technical matters. Fellows are active contributors, not passive observers.
Fields / Areas
Physical sciences, life sciences, social sciences, engineering, computer science, public health, environmental science, mathematics, and other technical disciplines — the programme spans virtually every area of science and engineering.
How to Apply
- Visit the official application portal: fellowshipapp.aaas.org
- Create an account and select the fellowship track(s) of interest.
- Prepare your CV, personal statements, and letters of reference.
- Submit your complete application by November 1, 2026.
Important Deadline
November 1, 2026. Allow enough time to write strong personal statements and arrange letters of reference before the closing date.
Apply Now
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