Here are a variety of events and opportunities for MIT students. If you know of another one that should be listed here, please let us know using our form: https://mitspi.squarespace.com/contact/
AAAS CASE
When: Every Spring Semester
Who: Hosted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science
How do I get involved: Applications are handled through SPI and the GSC External Affairs Board. Contact SPI using our form here: https://mitspi.squarespace.com/contact/ Contact GSC EAB at gsc-eab-fed@mit.edu
Description: CASE (Catalyzing Advocacy in Science and Engineering) is an entry-level program designed to educate STEM students who are interested in learning about the role of science in policy-making, to introduce them to the federal policy-making process, and to empower them with ways to become a voice for basic research throughout their careers. The workshop is designed for students in science, technology, engineering, and math fields, with limited experience and knowledge of science policy and advocacy who want to learn more about science policy. Students participate in a three-and-a-half day program in Washington, DC.. Specifically, you must be available to travel on Sunday, March 24th early enough to get to DC before 5pm. Your return to Boston will happen Wednesday night. Participants will learn about the structure and organization of Congress, the federal budget and appropriations processes, and tools for effective science communication and civic engagement. In addition, students will participate in interactive seminars about policy-making and communication. On the last day of the program, students will have the option to form teams and conduct meetings with their elected Members of Congress and congressional staff. More information about CASE is available here: https://www.aaas.org/programs/catalyzing-advocacy-in-science-and-engineering
ESEP Science Policy Happy Hours
When: Once a month.
How do I get involved: To join the mailing list to receive Boston happy hour notices, see their webpage: http://science-engage.org/happyhour-boston.html
Description: This event is organized by the group Engaging Scientists and Engineers in Policy (ESEP). ESEP's happy hours are informal networking and engagement opportunities for professionals, students, academics, and enthusiasts - at all career levels - who share an interest in science policy and communication. Come have a drink and meet members of ESEP!
NAGPS Legislative Action Days
When: Once a semester
How do I get involved: The MIT delegation is managed by the GSC’s External Affairs Board. For more information, contact gsc-eab-fed@mit.edu
Description: The National Association of Graduate-Professional Students (NAGPS) is a student-run national, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of graduate & professional students across the United States. Founded by student leaders in 1987, NAGPS is the only national organization that represents the interests of graduate & professional students in public and private universities at local, state, regional and national levels. Once a semester, delegates from schools across the country gather in DC for the NAGPs Legislative Action Days (LAD). During LAD, students learn about a variety of issues facing graduate students, network with their peers, and visit congressional offices to advocate for their interests.
GSC Statehouse Visits
When: 1-2 times per year, depending on the Massachusetts legislative schedule
How do I get involved: These trips are organized by the GSC’s External Affairs Board. For more information, contact gsc-eab-state@mit.edu
Description: MIT graduate students head across the river into Boston to meet with Massachusetts state legislators to discuss a variety of issues facing us.
Atlanta Conference on Science and Innovation Policy
When: Every other year (odd numbered years) in the fall
Who: Georgia Tech’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy program
How do I get involved: Visit their website here: http://www.atlconf.org/
Description: A longstanding, multidisciplinary conference dedicated to science policy