Deadline: October 31, 2022.
The 2023 Mirzayan Science and Technology Policy Graduate Fellowship Program
The 2023 Christine Mirzayan Science and Technology Policy Graduate Fellowship Program is a full-time hands-on training and educational program that provides early career individuals with the opportunity to spend 12 weeks at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in Washington, DC learning about science and technology policy and the role that scientists and engineers play in advising the nation. This Mirzayan Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to obtain the essential skills and knowledge needed to work in science policy at the federal, state, or local levels.
Eligibility Criteria
Individuals who have completed graduate studies within the last five years (graduated on or later than November 1, 2017) may apply. Graduate and professional school students are also eligible, with preference given to those at a later stage of their graduate/professional studies. Areas of study may include social/behavioral sciences, health and medicine, physical or biological sciences, engineering, law/business/public administration, or relevant interdisciplinary fields.
Q: Can undergraduates apply for the Program?
A: No. The program is for graduate students, postdoctoral students, and professional school students (e.g, Master’s, JD, MD, PhD).
Q: Can graduate student apply for the Program?
A: Yes. Graduate students and professional school students (e.g, Master’s, JD, MD, PhD). Priority will be given to students at a later stage of their studies.
Q: Does the Fellowship Program have a citizenship requirement?
A: No. Applicants who are not US citizens or US permanent residents must hold one of the following visas:
- F-1 Students using CPT (Curricular Practical Training)
- F-1 Students using OPT (Optional Practical Training)
- J-2 Dependents
- J-1 Students using academic training
- J-1 Research Scholars with written approval of their Responsible Officer
- DACA recipients
- Adjustment Applicants, Refugees, Asylees, and Selected other visa classes
Q: Am I eligible if I have temporary worker status (H-1B or TN)?
A: No. The Mirzayan Fellowship is a fellowship award, not employment by the National Academies.
Q: Do I have to live in the United States to be considered?
A: Yes. Applicants who are not US citizens or US permanent residents must already hold valid status in one of the visas listed above.
Q: Do the National Academies sponsor visas for the Fellowship Program?
A: No.
Q: Would a graduating senior who will be entering a graduate program qualify for this Program?
A: No. You must be attending a graduate or professional school or have recently graduated from a graduate or professional school.
Q: Can I apply if I’m just past the point of being a postdoctoral fellow?
A: Yes. If you completed your graduate studies (degree awarded) within the last 5 years (graduated on or later than November 1, 2017), you are eligible to apply.
Q: Are the social sciences considered as a “science”?
A: Yes.
Q: Can law and business students in professional programs apply?
A: Yes. Given the importance of science and technology today, students in professional schools undoubtedly benefit from exposure to science and technology policy issues.
How to Apply
Please note the following:
- This is NOT a scholarship. This program is NOT employment, does NOT fund research, research-related activities, award scholarships, or provide financial aid assistance of any kind. A stipend is provided to offset living expenses during the fellowship period.
- Eligibility. Individuals who have completed graduate studies within the last five years (graduated on or later than March 6, 2017) may apply. Graduate and professional school students are also eligible, with preference given to those at a later stage of their graduate/professional studies. Areas of study may include social/behavioral sciences, health and medicine, physical or biological sciences, engineering, law/business/public administration, or relevant interdisciplinary fields. Refer to Eligibility Criteria below.
- Reference Requirements. TWO online references must be received prior to application submission. You will NOT be able to submit your application until BOTH references have been received. If you are currently a graduate student, we strongly recommend that one of the references be from your academic advisor and include the expected date for the completion of your degree.
- Even if you have applied for a fellowship in the past, you MUST complete a new application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Application materials do not carry over from session to session.
The 2023 session of the Mirzayan Fellowship will begin on March 6 and conclude on May 26, 2023.
Steps to Apply
- Apply using the register/login buttons at the top right of this page under “How to Apply”. If you are a first time visitor, click the ‘register’ button. If you have applied in the past or already started your application, click Log In.
- Review your eligibility. This is an early career fellowship program. Graduate and professional school students and those who have completed graduate studies (degree awarded) within the last five years may apply. Areas of study may include social/behavioral sciences, health and medicine, physical or biological sciences, engineering, law/business/public administration, or relevant interdisciplinary fields.
- Review Prospective Units and select up to 7 that interest you.
- Notify Referees. TWO references are required. These must be relevant to your academic, professional, volunteer, or other related experience. Towards the beginning of the application form, you will be asked to provide an email address for each referee. Complete this section right away to ensure that your referees have adequate time to submit their reference before the application deadline. Mailed reference letters will NOT be accepted.
- Review all sections of the application prior to submission.
- In order to submit your application successfully, you must upload ALL required materials, ensure that your recommendation letters are attached, and hit the SUBMIT button by the deadline.
