Announcement from the Polar Research Board (PRB):
National Academies Accepting Nominations for the Christine Mirzayan
Science and Technology Policy Internship Program
Washington, D.C.
Deadline for September 2002 program is: June 1, 2002
This Internship Program of the National Academies--consisting of the
National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute
of Medicine, and National Research Council--is designed to engage
graduate and postdoctoral students in science and technology policy and
to familiarize them with the interactions among science, technology, and
government. As a result, students--in the fields of science,
engineering, medicine, veterinary medicine, business, and law--develop
essential skills different from those attained in academia, which will
help them make the transition from being a graduate student to a
professional.
We are pleased to announce a new fall 2002 program session, expanding
our program beyond its current summer and winter sessions. The fall
2002 program will take place from September 9 until November 27, 2002.
To apply, candidates should submit an application and request their
mentor fill out a reference form. Both are available on the web site:
http://national-academies.org/internship. The deadline for receipt of
materials is June 1. Additional details about the program and how to
join our mailing list are also available on the web site.
Questions should be directed to:
internship [at] nas.edu
Here is what four former interns said about the program:
"This is an important career building opportunity for people interested
in the scientific community outside academia. Even if you plan to
pursue a traditional academic track, seeing science from a policy
perspective is very enlightening. There is something valuable in this
experience for first year grad students to recent PhD students. Come
with an open mind and expect to learn more than you bargained for."
"The National Academies Internship has been one of the most valuable
life experiences I have had thus far. The scope of the influence of the
Academies in helping shape science, medical and engineering related
policy is amazing to witness. Through this internship, I have learned
more about my work as a social scientist than I imagined, and I have a
better sense of how my research can relate to public policy."
"The Internship program provides an exceptional opportunity for
scientists to explore various facets of scholarly research and
policymaking. As an intern, you will work with an eclectic mix of
highly educated, diverse intellectuals who help advance the future of
science. You will leave not only armed with important and influential
contacts but also with invaluable skills and experiences."
"This program will open your mind to a world rarely envisioned from the
confines of laboratory bench work. I learned an immeasurable amount
about the policy and politics behind science and after the internship
opens your mind, it opens career doors."