Pathways to Policy Fellowship

The Pathways to Policy Fellowship places scientists and engineers in yearlong, cohort-based fellowships that apply subject-matter expertise to policy-making in nonprofit organizations, corporations, think tanks, and other non-federal settings. Fellows come from a range of sectors and career stages and receive mentorship and professional development to build skills in policy development and science communication. Placements typically include a salary stipend, benefits, and relocation support and run from September through the following August.

Salary stipend (minimum $85,000), health insurance, paid time off, relocation support, and a year of cohort-based professional development and training.

Applicants must hold a doctoral-level degree (PhD, MD, DVM, DSc) in any scientific discipline or a Master’s degree in engineering with three years of engineering-related professional experience; all degree requirements must be completed by the application deadline. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and must not currently work for AAAS. Any career stage with the qualifying degree may apply.

Competitive application through the AAAS fellowship application portal; three-tier merit review with notifications, semi-finalist and finalist interviews, and placement offers. Application opens Aug 1, 2026 and proceeds through interviews and placement as per timeline.