Call for Applications for 2013 Graduate Student Policy Award
for Congressional Visits Day

Applications due Monday, January 7, 2013

The Ecological Society of America (ESA) invites applications for its 2013 Graduate Student Policy Award (GSPA). Offered each year, this award gives graduate students hands-on science policy experience including interacting with congressional decision-makers, federal agency officials, and others engaged in science and public policy.

The GSPA is given to up to three applicants. Winners participate in the annual Congressional Visits Day, a two-day event that will be held April 10 - 11, 2013. ESA covers travel and lodging expenses associated with this event for GSPA recipients. Awardees also receive a copy of ESA’s policy guide and the opportunity to be interviewed for ESA’s podcast, The Ecologist Goes to Washington and blog.

ESA is co-organizer of Congressional Visits Day, sponsored by the Biological Ecological Sciences Coalition to promote federal investment in the biological sciences, particularly through the National Science Foundation. Participants receive communications training and learn about the federal budget and appropriations process and the political landscape. During the second day of the event, participants meet with congressional decision makers to discuss federal support of research and education in the biological sciences.

Eligibility:

Applicants must be ESA members and United States citizens residing in the country. Past GSPA recipients are not eligible.

To Apply:

Send to pao@esa.org by close of business, Monday, January 7, 2013:

1. A cover letter outlining your interest in science policy and relevant experience
2. A one-page statement that reflects your insights and perspective on the importance of federal support of science and ecology in particular. Extra credit for examples of ecological success stories (i.e. where investment of federal dollars had a tangible return, particularly for your home state).
3. A one-page resume

Applicants will be notified of decisions by mid-January 2013. Please direct questions to pao@esa.org.

To hear the insights of last year’s ESA GSPA winners, please visit the links below:

http://www.esa.org/egwash/?p=238 Matthew Schuler, Washington University

http://www.esa.org/egwash/?paged=2 Adam Rosenblatt, Florida International University

http://www.esa.org/egwash/?p=231 Sara Kuebbing, University of Tennessee