Gulf Research Program's Science Policy Fellowship Grant

Gulf Research Program's Science Policy Fellowship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Amount: US $63,800 - US $69,300
Last Updated: January 27, 2026

Summary

The Gulf Research Program's Science Policy Fellowship offers an opportunity for scientists to bridge the gap between science and policy, enhancing their skills while benefiting Gulf Coast communities. Over a year, fellows work with various agencies, gaining practical experience at the science-policy interface. This program provides a stipend, health allowance, and professional development support, fostering leadership and capacity building in environmental protection and public health. Eligible candidates include those with advanced degrees in relevant fields, ensuring a diverse, skilled cohort dedicated to impactful research.

Overview

Science Policy Fellowships The Gulf Research Program’s Science Policy Fellowship program helps scientists hone their skills by putting them to practice for the benefit of Gulf Coast communities and ecosystems. Fellows gain first-hand experience at the interface of science and policy as they spend one year on the staff of federal, state, local, or non-governmental environmental, natural resource, oil and gas, and public health agencies in the Gulf of Mexico region. To better prepare scientists, engineers, and health professionals to work at the nexus of oil system safety, environmental protection, and human health in the Gulf region, the Gulf Research Program will administer Science Policy Fellowships. These Science Policy Fellowships will contribute to a suite of leadership development and capacity building activities by facilitating the academic, intellectual, and professional development of individuals who have demonstrated superior scholarship and an interest in public policy. This educational opportunity will provide Fellows with valuable experience at the science-policy interface through a one-year work experience on the staff of a state legislature; state environmental, natural resource, oil and gas, or public health agency; or regional offices of relevant federal agencies. With the guidance of a mentor, fellows delve into activities like research, evaluation, restoration planning, stakeholder outreach, and policy development and learn what it takes to make scientific information not just useful but useable. Meanwhile, host offices get a talented technical expert with a fresh perspective and a new network of contacts across the Gulf of Mexico region. Stipend and Benefits Fellows who have completed an MA, MS, or MPH/MSPH degree or who are currently enrolled in a doctoral program will receive an annual stipend of $63,800. Fellows who have completed a PhD, ScD, EngD, MD, DrPH, or DVM will receive an annual stipend of $69,300. The GRP has increased the stipend amounts to account for cost of living increases. IIn addition to the stipend, each fellow will receive an annual health allowance of $5,500, which will be added to the stipend package. The annual health allowance is intended to offset the cost of health insurance and/or to offset the cost of healthcare-related needs during the term of the fellowship. The stipend package will be paid directly to the fellow in monthly disbursements. Fellows will also receive a $1,500 one-time payment prior to or at the beginning of the fellowship term to defray costs associated with relocation. No other relocation costs will be reimbursed. Professional development Fellows will receive up to $5,000 in additional support as reimbursement for tuition and/or fees for professional development courses and activities or for professional travel related to their host office duties. Additional funding All fellows will attend an orientation in Washington, D.C. Fellows may be required to attend one or more conferences/events during their fellowship term. Travel expenses for these events will be covered by the Gulf Research Program; they are in addition to the fellowship stipend and professional development support. Detailed information can be found in the terms of the Science Policy Fellowship. Selection Criteria Finalists are selected based on a set of review criteria, and we encourage applicants to read the criteria carefully before preparing their application materials. Factors that contribute to an applicant’s likelihood for success include: Recognition that the relationship between science and policy is not a one-way street.In other words, evidence of a strong interest in both applying science to public policy and decision making and incorporating policymaking experience into their scientific work. Prior direct public policy experience is valued but not required. A strong scientific and technical background and superior academic achievement. Experience or demonstrated willingness to work in an interdisciplinary field or participate in interdisciplinary collaborations. Experience or achievements outside of the formal classroom such as community and civic engagement. Effective verbal and written communication to both scientific and non-scientific audiences. Once placed in host offices, applicants will be communicating with peers, senior colleagues, and external stakeholders in a wide range of settings.The initiative, creativity, organization, and interpersonal skills needed to help ensure projects, teams, or individuals accomplish their goals and achieve successful outcomes, whether small or large. Membership in one or more groups that are traditionally underrepresented in the applicant's scientific discipline.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Applicants must:Be currently enrolled in a doctoral program or hold an eligible degree, including an MA/MS, MPH/MSPH, PhD, ScD, EngD, MD, DrPH, or DVM. For applicants not currently enrolled in a doctoral program, eligible degrees must be completed by August 15, 2026, and conferred by December 31, 2026. Applicants currently enrolled in a doctoral program must take a leave of absence for the duration of the fellowship. Come from an area of research – including social and behavioral sciences, health sciences and medicine, engineering and physical sciences, earth and life sciences, and interdisciplinary scientific fields – relevant to the mission of the Gulf Research Program which is to develop, translate, and apply science, engineering, and medical knowledge to enhance offshore energy safety, environmental protection and stewardship, and human health and community resilience in the Gulf region in ways that empower its citizens. Open to U.S. citizens only. Not be currently employed by the U.S. Federal Government. Full-time, paid, permanent Federal employees are not eligible for the fellowship.

Ineligibility

Full-time, paid, permanent federal employees are not eligible for the fellowship.