Transforming Priorities into Science Policy
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The course will cover three major topic areas in science policy:
- Overview of the policymaking process: stakeholders, deliberations, implementation
- Interface of domestic and international policy: what happens at home reflects U.S. foreign policy and vice versa;
- Roleplaying exercises: practice the policymaking process using case studies pulled from current and recent events.
Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how science-related policy is formulated within the federal government, including the stakeholders involved at departments and agencies, formal and informal policy debates, and how policies are implemented. Participants will gain insight into how domestic focused-policies (e.g., environmental laws, biological science regulations, etc.) shape U.S. foreign policy with partner and adversarial countries. Participants will also put knowledge of process and the domestic-international policy interface into practice by debating and developing policy positions related to three current or recent involves that involve a science policy topic (topics will be shared 1-2 weeks in advance). On May 26 there will be an optional professional development session to talk through career advice and matters related to pursuing a career in science policy (e.g., resume review).
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Course capacity: 18
Sessions & Dates
The Room Where It Happens: People, Process, Priorities
Thursday, April 8th, 6 – 7:15 PM
Thursday, April 15th, 6 – 7:15 PM
Past the Water’s Edge: Domestic Policy Meets International Policy
Thursday, April 22nd, 5 – 6:30 PM
Choose Your Own Adventure: Case Studies on Current Events
Wednesday, May 5th, 6 – 7:15 PM
Wednesday, May 12th, 6 – 7:15 PM
Wednesday, May 19th, 6 – 7:15 PM
Wednesday, May 26th, 6 – 7:15 PM (optional career development session)
Workshop Instructor
Sapana R. Vora, PhD
Deputy Team Chief, Biosecurity Engagement Program at U.S. Department of State
Since becoming a science and technology policy fellow at the U.S. Department of State, Dr. Vora has pursued a career path in international and national security, with an emphasis on biosecurity, biodefense, and global health security. She is primarily interested in how the international community, with leadership and/or strong participation from the U.S. government, can strengthen global capacity and cooperation to combat natural and intentional biothreats. Dr. Vora holds a Ph.D. in Cancer Biology from the University of Chicago.