The Ford School of Public Policy’s Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program (STPP) is poised to create a new pathway for early career scientists and engineers to learn about, develop, and aid state-level policy making. A $100,00 planning and development grant from the Center for Results-Driven Governing at the National Conference of State Legislatures, and supported by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation is the first step toward establishing a science and technology policy fellowship in Michigan.
Michigan faces critical science and technology issues, including advanced manufacturing, energy transition, PFAS and lead contamination, Great Lakes restoration, and autonomous vehicle rollout. However, the state lacks scientists and engineers in elected positions and embedded experts in science and technology policy. Introducing state science and technology policy fellows to the legislative process could enhance evidence-informed policymaking and improve the wellbeing of Michiganders.
“STPP has long been interested in establishing a postgraduate legislative science and technology policy fellowship in Michigan,” commented Education Manager Julie Berson Grand, “and we were fortunate to receive enthusiastic support for this initiative from stakeholders in higher education, as well as the State Legislature. As we continue to look towards the states as essential laboratories of innovation and policy making, Michigan is well positioned to lead this effort.”
The fellowship will be modeled after similar nonpartisan programs at the state and federal levels. For more than 50 years, highly trained scientists and engineers have participated in the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences Science & Technology Policy Fellowship Program, contributing their expertise to complex policy matters in the federal government. Starting with California in 2008, states including New Jersey, Missouri, Idaho, and West Virginia have created fellowship programs that reflect the strengths and opportunities unique to their environment. Michigan joins a number of other NCSL-funded initiatives with a shared goal of creating a robust national network of state-level science and technology policy programs.
The initiative received broad support for the fellowship program, including:
- Representatives from all seven public STEM PhD granting institutions in the State of Michigan and the University Research Corridor;
- Bipartisan support from the Michigan State Legislature; and
- Jennifer Dettloff, executive director of the Michigan Legislative Services Bureau.
About the Science, Technology, and Public Policy (STPP) Program:
University of Michigan’s Science, Technology, and Public Policy (STPP) Program is dedicated to advancing the public interest, and specifically social equity and justice, in the development and governance of science and technology through education, research, and community and policy engagement. Established in 2006 and housed at the Ford School of Public Policy, STPP Program addresses urgent questions at the intersection of science, technology, policy, and society.
