Building #SciPol Skills while Sheltering-in-Place

Many of us have now been working from home and practicing social distancing for nearly six weeks. Hopefully you’ve had time to work with your PI to develop a research plan and are accustomed to meeting with students virtually, among all of the other changes to your day-to-day schedule.

If you are like me, you may finally have the brain space to think about professional development again. In place of attending events, meeting with lawmakers, and networking in person, here are a few ways that you can build your science policy skills while remaining safe at home. For more opportunities, consider joining the National Science Policy Network! I won’t cover all of their activities here.

Serve your communities

Engineers & Scientists Acting Locally (ESAL) developed a fantastic guide on ways that scientists and engineers can engage with their communities during COVID-19. Some examples include donating time or resources to a local food bank, donating old tech equipment to local schools, and helping your elderly neighbors. In my opinion, you must know your communities in order to advocate for evidence-based solutions to meet their needs.

Combat misinformation

Note, I am not advising you to get in fights with your cousin on Facebook. Rather, stay informed and have meaningful conversations with your family, friends, and neighbors about scientific information surrounding COVID-19. Wear a mask to the grocery store and take time to explain why you’re wearing it if someone asks (from a safe distance of course). You can also volunteer to answer questions for the “Ask a Scientist” tool, developed by the Federation of American Scientists.

Build your network

I’d imagine that relationships are important in many career paths, but this is especially true in the world of policy and politics. This is an excellent time to reach out and find time to connect with people. These could be people who you met with two years ago and haven’t spoken with lately, or people that you’ve been meaning to contact for informational interviews. Plus, Zoom coffee meetings are a great reason to get out of bed and start your day early!

Learn the lingo

AKA: Binge watch The West Wing (and Parks & Recreation). Ok ok, maybe this won’t enhance your ability to speak formally with policy-makers and staff, but I swear every staffer in D.C. references this show on a regular basis. Don’t be that scientist who can’t understand a Toby Ziegler joke. Also, watch Parks & Recreation because it will make you laugh and feel a little more optimistic about the world.

For a more formal public policy lesson, I’d recommend the following reading materials:

1. Recommended Practices for Science Communication with Policymakers by Elizbeth Suhay, Emily Cloyd, Erin Heath, and Erin Nash (American University & AAAS)

2. The Honest Broker by Roger A. Pielke Jr.

3. A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis by Eugene Bardach

4. American Federalism by Larry N. Gerston

5. Writing Public Policy by Catherine F. Smith

6. Biographies of Policymakers/Scientists you admire (I just finished two books about founding fathers, and I’m currently reading a book about Sandra Day O’Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. A Madeleine Albright autobiography is next on my list)