Congressional Science Fellowship

Rules and eligibility

The following qualifications required for this fellowship include:

• Masters degree in physics/closely related field plus three years of work experience in your degree field and/or science policy or PhD in physics/closely related field
• Demonstrated interest in science policy through academic, community or professional experience
• Currently or previously an engaged member of the APS community; for example, attend APS Meetings, publish in APS journals, participate in APS unit activities or APS advocacy efforts, etc.
• US citizenship

APS membership is required to receive an APS fellowship

Process and selection

Types of Congressional Science Fellowships

The APS and AIP fellowship programs allow for submission of a single set of application materials. Via the application portal, you may apply for:

• The APS Congressional Science Fellowship only
• The AIP Congressional Science Fellowship only
• Both the APS and AIP Congressional Science Fellowship

Each organization sponsors separate fellowship programs. However, as long as an applicant meets eligibility requirements, we allow for submission of a single set of application materials.

The application process

To apply, candidates should visit online portal and submit all required materials. The online application portal allows applicants to create a user account to upload a letter of intent and resume. You can also use this portal to request letters of recommendation. Through this account, applicants may check receipt of letters of recommendation and the status of their application. All application materials must be submitted electronically via this system.

Required application materials include:

• A letter of intent providing information regarding the applicant's reason for applying, scientific training and professional background, public policy interest and experience, and qualities and experience that would make the applicant effective in this position.
• A resume limited to two pages, plus one additional page for a publications list.
• Three letters of reference from those having direct knowledge of the applicant's character, professional competence, and attributes which would particularly qualify the candidate to serve in this capacity.

Application deadline

All credentials, including the letter of intent, resume, and letters of reference must be submitted no later than December 1 prior to the fellowship year. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

It is the full responsibility of the applicant to check the status of materials submitted and ensure all materials, including letters of recommendation, are received by the December 1 deadline.

Selection

APS and AIP have separate review processes and committees. After your application is complete, you will be contacted by and communicate with AIP and APS separately.

Contact

If you have questions about the APS Congressional Science Fellowship, please email the APS office operations and programs manager or email the AIP chief of staff for questions about the AIP Congressional Science Fellowship. For questions about the fellowship more broadly, email both addresses.

Establishment and support

The Congressional Science Fellowship was established by APS and AIP in 1973 to bring technical and scientific experience to Congress. The aim of APS and the American Institute of Physics (AIP) in sponsoring the Congressional Science Fellowships is to provide a public service by making available individuals with scientific knowledge and skills to Members of Congress, few of whom have a technical background, despite public policy increasingly determined by scientific and technical considerations.

Recent recipients