The Science Policy Fellowship Program offers the opportunity to work in a policy role in an Australian Government department for up to 12 months.
Fellows gain a practical understanding of government processes and policymaking. In return, they bring fresh perspectives and a highly valued skillset to their host department or agency.
On completion of their fellowship most participants move into roles in the APS. Those returning to academia do so with:
- new perspectives
- understanding of government processes
- insights into how science, and the scientific community, can inform government policy.
Past fellow Dr Pegah Maasoumi reflected on how enriching the program can be. ‘The fellowship introduced new challenges I hadn’t encountered during my years in academia. Decision-making, communication, meeting short-noticed deadlines, collaboration and pitching ideas had a different scale of meaning and complexity, enriching my professional growth.’
Launched in 2018, the program aims to build the diversity of expertise in the APS workforce.