How You are Evaluated

Candidates are evaluated and scored based on the five categories outlined below. STPF seeks individuals who have a combination of leadership attributes, analytical and problem-solving abilities, and communication skills; who demonstrate commitment to this professional development opportunity and its objectives; and whose experiences and interests fit with the focus of the specific fellowship area(s) to which they are applying.

A perfect score is 100 points.

Scientific/Technical Background & Professional Accomplishment (1-40 points)

  • Solid scientific/technical education and experience in area of expertise, appropriate to career stage.
  • Employment in relevant academic, applied scientific/technical, research, administration, outreach or policy positions appropriate to career stage and field.
  • Record of publications and/or presentations appropriate to career stage, field and institutional setting.
  • Record of grants and/or participation in research projects or other scientific/technical initiatives appropriate to career stage, field and institutional setting.

Leadership & Potential (1-15 points)

  • Prior leadership roles relevant to career stage (e.g., graduate student governance or faculty committees; advisory or editorial committees; active in professional societies, nonprofit or community initiatives).
  • Skill/potential to organize, build consensus, lead projects and people toward positive outcomes.
  • Confidence, maturity, and self-direction with the capacity, initiative and flexibility to work well independently as well as in groups.
  • Ability to identify personal strengths and areas for growth and development.
  • Potential to take initiative to make the fellowship a rich and positive experience, to disseminate the skills learned through the fellowship, and to take advantage of networks developed.

Analytical & Problem-Solving Abilities (1-15 points)

  • Evidence of creative thinking and analytical skill.
  • Ability to translate and apply theoretical concepts into practice to solve problems.
  • Capacity to make connections between science and technology and broader economic, social and political issues.

Communication, Interpersonal & Outreach Skills (1-15 points)

  • Excellent communication skills: articulate, cohesive, concise, rational flow of information, and clear in both context and detail.
  • Ability to convey scientific knowledge in broader, non-scientific contexts.
  • Capacity to work effectively with diverse stakeholders outside scientific and/or engineering communities.

Commitment to STPF Fellowship Mission & Opportunities (1-15 points)

  • Strong interest in applying scientific/technical knowledge toward the solution of problems in areas in which the fellowship would be served.
  • Clarity of objectives for applying to the fellowship, and how the fellowship experience will be used in the future.
  • Willingness and flexibility to tackle issues beyond area of expertise, openness and capacity to expand experience in the policy realm, and to interact with policymakers and regulators.
  • Realistic expectations, open-minded, and adaptable to fellowship opportunities and challenges.
  • Demonstrated or clearly communicated commitment to apply scientific and technical expertise to serve society.