Jefferson Science Fellows Program

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Next deadline: Oct 17, 2023 2:00pm PDT

Later deadlines: Oct 17, 2024 2:00pm PDT

Grant amount: Up to US $60,000

Funding uses: Fellowship

Location of project: United States

Location of residency: United States

Location of citizenship: United States

Overview:

The contribution of state-of-the-art science, technology, engineering, and medicine to the formulation and implementation of U.S. government policy and international development has been recognized throughout the second half of the 20th-century as a critical element in reaching sound, comprehensive conclusions that reflect “good governance.” Without an accurate, timely understanding of rapidly advancing issues in these fields, it is increasingly difficult to identify and establish sound governmental policy and international development strategies that effectively meet the needs of modern societies. 

Recognizing this need, on October 8, 2003, the Secretary of State announced the Jefferson Science Fellows (JSF) program, to serve as an innovative model for engaging the American academic science, technology, engineering, and medical communities in U.S. foreign policy and international development. The JSF program is administered by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and is supported by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

The JSF program is open to tenured, or similarly ranked, faculty from U.S. institutions of higher learning who are U.S. citizens. After successfully obtaining a security clearance, selected Jefferson Science Fellows spend one year on assignment at the U.S. Department of State or USAID serving as advisers on issues of foreign policy or international development. Assignments are tailored to the needs of the hosting office, while taking into account the Fellows’ interests and areas of expertise. Following the fellowship year, Fellows will return to their academic career but remain available to the U.S. government as experienced consultants for short-term projects.

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website.

Eligibility:

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be a scientist, technologist, engineer, or physician holding a tenured or similarly ranked academic position at a U.S. academic institution; social scientists whose research interfaces with, or is relevant to, foreign policy or international development are also eligible.
• Applicant's academic institution must sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Academy of Sciences in order to be considered as a finalist.
• Applicants who are selected for an award will be required to undergo a security investigation to obtain a security clearance or facility access, depending on the requirements of the position.
• The Jefferson Science Fellow will be paid a stipend of $50,000 by the National Academy of Sciences.
• It is expected that each Fellow will travel as part of their assignment with the U.S. Department of State/USAID. $10,000 will also be made available to the Fellow for travel associated with their assignment(s).
• Travel support may also be provided by the Fellow’s office or bureau.