NSPN's Science Diplomacy Fellowship partners small groups of students or early career scientists with science diplomacy organizations, including consulates and embassies. Fellows engage in cross-cultural, team-based projects that provide experiential learning opportunities in science diplomacy. Fellows will produce tangible outputs, grow their network, and learn about opportunities for science diplomats.

Science Diplomacy Team Projects

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

This program is ideal for STEM students and early-career professionals who are ready to gain hands-on science diplomacy experience to build their careers. With the knowledge and skills gained in this fellowship participants have gone on to secure jobs in the field.

If you have any questions, please reach out to info@scipolnetwork.org.

3 Seminars

6 Month Placement

Networking and Career Development

Competitive Application Process

Program Structure

NSPN’s Science Diplomacy Fellowship is designed to allow scientists, engineers, technologists to engage with science diplomacy practitioners through virtual, project-based collaborations. Fellows will create tangible outputs to contribute to the mission of the project sponsor, while learning about science diplomacy and cooperation, and developing resources for the public good. To support the project-based learning the program also includes three seminars featuring guest speakers and foundational skill building in science diplomacy.

  • Three, 90-minute sessions in January feature guest speakers, peer discussions, and hands-on exercises. Attendance at all sessions is required to earn a certificate.

  • Regular check-ins with NSPN programs staff provide personalized feedback and guidance on partner projects and individual career goals.

  • Team-based projects with partners advance science diplomacy.

PROGRAM DETAILS

Benefits

Beyond the skills and knowledge gained in this course participants will gain access to the following benefits:

  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with experienced science diplomacy professionals and peers throughout the program, expanding your network.

  • Certification of Completion: Earn a certificate recognizing your achievement and commitment to advancing science policy.

  • Introduction to Science Diplomacy course training to build knowledge and competency in science diplomacy, valued at $300.

  • Complimentary Registration for Annual Symposium valued at $195 for students and $375 for professionals.

Course Dates & Expectations

Selected participants are expected to attend three, 90-minute virtual sessions in January and then all regular meetings with their host offices (determined with individual project teams). Written products and deliverables for projects are due in August. The dates and times for synchronous course sessions and reports are listed below:

  • January 6 - 12, 2025 | Project Onboarding (dates and times will vary between projects).

  • January 13 - June 30, 2025 | Weekly progress reports and collaborative work with hosts and team. Expected 5 hr/ week time commitment.

  • January 17, 2025 - 12:00 - 1:30 pm ET | Introduction to Science & Technology Diplomacy and Emerging areas.

  • January 24, 2025 - 12:00 - 1:30 pm ET | Power Mapping and Stakeholder Analysis.

  • January 31, 2025 - 12:00 - 1:30 pm ET | International Negotiation and Collaboration.

  • July 1, 2025 | Projects Due to Hosts & NSPN.

APPLICATION PERIOD IS CLOSED

  • Applications are due by December 6, 2024 at 11:59 pm ET.

  • Application decisions, along with a fellowship agreement, will be provided by December 13, 2024.

  • Fellowship recipients must return the signed fellowship agreement by January 2, 2025, to confirm acceptance of the offer.

2025 FELLOWSHIP PROJECTS

For our 2025 cohort we will be partnering with the following organizations. More details about each partner’s project, team size, expectations and deliverables will be shared within the coming weeks.

PROJECT PUBLICATIONS

BELOW ARE SELECT PUBLICATIONS FROM PAST FELLOWSHIP PROJECTS

Science Diaspora Networks: A Report on Their Goals, Functions, and Future

Authored by: Dorothy Butler, Barbara Del Castello, Steve Elliott, Elana Goldenkoff, Isabel Warner, and Alessandra Zimmermann

Deeptech Innovation Ecosystems: A comparison between Boston, Pittsburgh, and Eindoven

Authored by: Irene Duba, Garrett Dunlap, CJ Koch, and supervised by Mart Duitemeijer (NIN)

Improving data and policies to support LGBTQ+ people in STEM

Authored by: Shane Coffield, Kolin Clark, Anna Dye, Colbie Chinowsky, Briana Niblick, Marco Reggiani, Bryce Hughes, Alfredo Carpineti, Randall Hughes, Lauren Crawford, LeManuel Bitsóí

Enhancing Collaboration and Support for the French Scientific Diaspora in the United

Authored by: Joy J. Bianchi

PAST PROJECT EXAMPLES