How Applications are Evaluated

Selection Committees will evaluate and score candidates 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.

This information is provided for references to understand what the program is looking for in AAAS S&T Policy Fellows. References should not provide applicant scores in their letter submissions.

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 participation 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.