Congressional Fellow report

Abstract

Through the American Association of the Advancement of Science Congressional Science and Engineering Fellowship Program, scientists and engineers from around the country have enjoyed a 20‐year relationship with Congress—a mutually beneficial union that has significantly enhanced the legislative process involving science and technology policy.More than 500 postdoctorate to mid‐career level scientists and engineers have worked as professional legislative staff members on Capitol Hill since 1973. Heralded for its unique public policy learning experience, the Congressional Fellowship program has enabled a number of scientists and engineers to flourish in the public policy arena after their experience in Washington. Several of these individuals have attained high‐level policy positions within the government, a path they may not have followed without their involvement in the program. AGU is one of the twenty‐two national science and engineering societies that support the program.