UPCOMING EVENTS

Don’t miss out on these informational and inspirational events built to further your career in Science Policy! All events are open to the public unless otherwise noted.

3rd Tuesday of the Month • 1:00-2:00pm ET • Virtual

'Tuesdays with Dr. Tepring Webinar Series

Join NSPN CEO Dr. Tepring Piquado on the third Tuesday of each month for an engaging webinar series exploring the intersections of science policy, nonprofit leadership, and community building. Each session will highlight key insights from NSPN’s journey, offering practical advice and inspiration for those advancing the role of science in society. REGISTER HERE.

April 30, 2025 • 7:00-9:00pm ET • Virtual

Science Policy Skills Course Final Presentations

After weeks of hard work, participants in the Science Policy Skills Course will showcase their group policy analysis projects! They’ve tackled real-world challenges by defining problems, analyzing solutions, and mapping stakeholders. Now, it’s time to share their findings with a broader audience. Join us to learn about their projects, and engage in thoughtful discussions on science policy issues. No registration is needed.
Join on Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/95445942705?pwd=kWTQcvlbfY3YpA5RbiHNjV9rQW43bH.1

May 3, 2025 • Seattle, Washington

NSPN Annual Symposium

Connect, learn, and get inspired at the annual NSPN symposium! Explore global challenges including climate change, public health, privacy, and more through the lens of varied industries. REGISTER HERE.

May 16, 2025 • Rosenthal Pavilion at NYU

Politics Aside: Policy Forward

This Politics Aside event will discuss, from a nonpartisan perspective, the changing landscape of psychedelic drugs in recent years, including its use in medicinal and mental health therapies, legal & policy perspectives, and ethical considerations. This is your chance to tell elected officials how you really feel. This rare nonpartisan event at NYU brings together researchers, policymakers, and students to discuss psychedelics’ journey from counterculture to clinic. Don't miss this chance to engage in a thought-provoking conversation at the intersection of science, policy, and public opinion! REGISTER HERE.

June 3, 4, & 5, 2025 • 12pm -1pm ET • Virtual

Minorities in Science:
Exploring Diverse Career Paths in Science Policy

Explore career opportunities for scientists beyond the lab. Minorities in Science will spotlight professionals who have successfully transitioned into impactful roles in local and state government, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector. Featured speakers will share their career journey, the skills they leveraged, and how they navigated career transitions. Attend for an opportunity to expand your understanding of diverse career pathways in science policy. REGISTER HERE.
June 3: Local and State Government Panel
June 4: Industry Panel
June 5: Nonprofits Panel

July 22, 2025 • 6pm-7pm ET • Virtual

Fireside Chat with the JSPG

Are you looking to publish your work and make an impact in STEM policy and governance? Join us for an engaging fireside chat with our partners at the Journal of Science Policy & Governance (JSPG)! Learn about the publication and submission process.

JSPG is an internationally recognized, open-access, peer-reviewed publication that provides a platform for students and early-career researchers to contribute bold and innovative solutions across a wide range of STEM topics. As an independent non-profit, JSPG is dedicated to empowering the next generation of STEM leaders by publishing high-quality work that influences policy and governance. This session will feature insights from JSPG’s team members, Julianne McCall, CEO & Managing Publisher, and Hannah Frye, Director of Programs & Events. REGISTER HERE.

NSPS Event Spotlight

The 2024 National Science Policy Symposium was hosted by University of California-Riverside Science 2 Policy Program, School of Public Policy, and the National Science Policy Network. Curated around the theme "Local to Global Innovation: Science and Technology Policy for a Prosperous Future," the symposium aimed to leverage science and technology to address local and global challenges, fostering sustainable development, economic growth, and societal well-being. The programming, built around Precision Medicine, Emerging Technology, and the Salton Sea, was designed to discover equitable and actionable pathways forward, acknowledging the complexity of today's challenges and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration. The event's vision extended beyond its duration, aiming to shape a future where science informs policy and policy drives scientific advancement.

Past Events

December 18, 2024 • 2:00 - 3:00pm ET • Virtual

Diverse Careers in Science Policy with American Chemical Society

Scientists have a vital role to play in shaping policy—whether as a full-time career or through everyday contributions. Your expertise is crucial to informed decision-making. Join three scientists, Jared Mondschein of the State Department, Tepring Piquado of the National Science Policy Network, and Laura Pence of the University of Hartford, as they discuss how they successfully navigated their unique careers in science policy. Discover their diverse career journeys, gain insights into the current landscape of science policy, and learn what it takes to thrive as a scientist in the policy world. Whether you’re considering a transition into science policy or simply curious, this event offers valuable guidance.

This ACS Webinar is moderated by Sarah Ackenhusen, a Science Policy Fellow at the American Chemical Society and is co-produced with ACS Government Affairs.

January 8, 2025 • 1:00 - 2:00pm ET • Virtual
NextGen Policy Perspectives: JSPG x NSPN Early Career Author Showcase

Join us for a dynamic showcase of groundbreaking policy writing featured in a special publication by the Journal of Science Policy & Governance. This event highlights the work of emerging authors whose innovative ideas address critical issues like sustainable energy, water resource management, and decarbonization. Engage with these thought leaders as they share their research, insights, and policy recommendations, and explore how their work is shaping the future of science policy and governance.

January 22, 2025 • 12:30 - 1:30pm ET • Virtual
Pathways to Policy: State S&T Policy Fellowships

Join us for a panel discussion with representatives from State S&T Policy Fellowship Programs such as the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) Science & Technology Fellows Program, Missouri Science & Technology Policy Initiative Fellowship Program, and New Jersey’s Eagleton Science and Politics Program. Learn more about these different programs and upcoming application cycles. Discover how engaging in state-level policy can serve as a dynamic pathway to a meaningful career in science policy.

Meet & Greets with Dr. Tepring Piquado
February 14 • 8:30-11:30pm ET • in Boston / February 18 • 4 pm - 6 pm ET • in Baltimore / February 20 • 4 pm - 6 pm ET • in Washington, DC

Connect in-person with like-minded individuals passionate about shaping the future of science policy. This is the perfect opportunity to expand your network, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities in the intersection of science and policy. This event is perfect for:

  • Scientists and researchers passionate about science policy.

  • Students and early-career professionals interested in networking.

  • Policymakers and advocates seeking collaborations.

Registration is not required. Spread the word and help us grow a vibrant community of science policy professionals!

February 25 - 28 Daily • 12:00-1:00pm ET • Virtual
Science Policy Career Exploration Week

Explore diverse career paths in science policy with NSPN’s four-part webinar series. Learn about positions in federal & state government, nonprofit and private sectors, each session will provide practical guidance and inspiration for navigating these impactful fields.

February 25, 2025
Emilia Pasquier, CEO Swissnex
Dr. Sarah K. Martin, Senior Director of Global Regulatory Policy and Strategy, Eli Lilly

February 26, 2025
Dr. Chanel Matney, Program Office, The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

February 27, 2025
Dr. Erin Cadwalader, Director of Strategic Leadership and Policy, Entomological Society of America
Dr. Aravind Kailas, Advanced Technology Policy Director, Volvo Group
Dr. Tim Marler, Senior Research Engineer and Professor of Policy Analysis, Pardee RAND Graduate School

February 28, 2025
Dr. Devon Collins, Director, Dana Frontiers Program, Dana Foundation
Dr. Alison Galbraith, Professor and the Director of the Division of Health Services Research in the Department of Pediatrics at Boston Medical Center and Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
Robin Christensen, MS, Deputy Director, Safer Consumer Products Program, California Department of Toxic Substances Control

March 6, 2025 • 7:30-8:30pm ET • Virtual
Science on the Ballot Meeting

The goal of Science on the Ballot is to elevate science policy issues in political discourse by empowering scientists and communities to engage with candidates and promote evidence-based decision-making. Through advocacy training, coalition-building strategies, and fostering connections between scientists, policymakers, and the public, the program seeks to:

  • Inspire Action: Equip participants with the tools to raise awareness about critical science policy topics during elections.

  • Promote Evidence-Based Policy: Ensure that science-informed perspectives shape candidate platforms and public decision-making.

  • Empower Communities: Build networks of scientists and advocates dedicated to integrating science into the democratic process.

  • Create Long-Term Impact: Foster a culture of civic engagement where science is a central element of policy development and governance.

April 3, 2025 • 7:30-8:30pm ET • Virtual
Science on the Ballot Meeting

The goal of Science on the Ballot is to elevate science policy issues in political discourse by empowering scientists and communities to engage with candidates and promote evidence-based decision-making. Through advocacy training, coalition-building strategies, and fostering connections between scientists, policymakers, and the public, the program seeks to inspire action, promote evidence-based policy, empower communities, and create long-term impact.

April 9, 2025 • 1:00-2:00pm ET • Virtual
Tech Policy Unlocked: Insights from Public Knowledge

Join us for an engaging introduction to technology policy with Public Knowledge, one of D.C.'s preeminent think-and-do tanks focused on promoting freedom of expression, an open internet, and access to affordable communications tools and creative works. This session will feature Lisa Macpherson, Policy Director, and Sara Collins, Director of Government Affairs at Public Knowledge, who will provide expert insights into the key issues shaping technology policy today.

April 22, 2025 • 1:00-2:00pm ET • Virtual
Clean Energy, Clean Earth

Celebrate Earth Day with NSPN by joining our panel discussion on green and clean energy solutions. This webinar will delve into the societal transition toward low-carbon energy systems in the United States. Engage with experts as they explore the economic, environmental, technological, and distributional aspects of sustainable energy. Featured speakers:

  • Evan S. Michelson, Ph.D., Program Director at the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, who oversees the Foundation’s Energy and Environment program

  • Ticora Jones, Ph.D., Chief Science Officer, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)

  • Beth N. Orcutt, PhD., VP for Research, Senior Research Scientists, Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences