A Note from NSPN's Board of Directors
Since NSPN was founded nearly eight years ago, a lot has changed in the world. A lot also has changed at NSPN. Our founding members have evolved and matured in their own careers. We have explored different areas of focus. Our organizational structure and active programs have continuously evolved. We have tested out different ways of offering training and networking opportunities.
As scientists at heart, we’ve approached all of these changes as experiments and opportunities to learn from our community. Today, the structural challenges in the science policy community, and in the research and development enterprise more broadly, represent an opportunity for NSPN to evolve again.
To that end, the NSPN Board has decided to take time to invest in deep network listening, and to revisit our strategy to meet this transformative moment. Over the next few months, we will be reducing our current activities and day-to-day operations to focus on building this renewed strategy, led by NSPN’s co-founders.
In 2026, you can expect from NSPN:
Increased engagement from the Board to understand the needs of early career scientists interested in science policy and the impacts of the shifting landscape in that space.
Exploration of new partnerships that meet the needs of a science policy ecosystem that deserves healthy reevaluation, revitalization, and reinvention in the coming years.
In the short term, fewer programs that are not aligned with the evolving needs of our network or the larger ecosystem.
Many recent conversations with NSPN alumni and partners have emphasized that original pillars of NSPN’s work are still needed – community, training, and experiences for current and aspiring science policy practitioners. Our hope is to work with the many new and established peer organizations to get back to NSPN’s roots and address this critical moment collectively. We can’t wait to get started.
We invite those who wish to share ideas and perspectives to reach out to us at info@scipolnetwork.org. We will include you in future listening sessions through the spring and summer.