Transforming Priorities into Science Policy

The course will cover three major topic areas in science policy:

  1. Overview of the policymaking process: stakeholders, deliberations, implementation
  2. Interface of domestic and international policy: what happens at home reflects U.S. foreign policy and vice versa;
  3. 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 March 14 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

Tuesday, February 21st, 5:30 – 6:30 PM Central
Thursday, February 23rd, 5:30 – 6:30 PM Central

Past the Water’s Edge: Science Diplomacy

Tuesday, February 28th, 5:30 – 6:30 PM Central

Mock National Security Council Meetings: Practical Policymaking

Thursday, March 2nd, 5:30 – 7:00 PM Central
Tuesday, March 7th, 5:30 – 7:00 PM Central

Professional Development (optional session)

Tuesday, March 14th, 5:30 – 7:00 PM Central


Workshop Instructor

Sapana R. Vora, PhD

Senior Policy Advisor, Cooperative Threat Reduction Policy, U.S. Department of Defense

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, accidental, and intentional biothreats. Dr. Vora currently works for the U.S. Department of Defense and holds a Ph.D. in Cancer Biology from the University of Chicago.