What is your scientific background?My PhD research, on sister-chromatid cohesion in Drosophila mitosis, was with David Glover at the University of Dundee, UK. At the end of the 1990s, I spent several wonderful years at the University of California, San Diego, working with Larry Goldstein on kinesin motor proteins in Drosophila mitosis and axonal transport.What does your current job involve?Currently, I am working as a policy analyst for MVBio, a consultancy specializing in genetics, biotechnology, ethics and public policy. Until July 2001, I ran the life-sciences program at the Centre for Exploitation of Science and Technology (CEST) and worked on projects in many biopolicy areas. These included: setting genetics in context through alignment of communication strategies; exploration of opportunities and challenges arising from use of the ‘New Genetics’; and examining opportunities in health-promoting foods. For each topic, we first researched and consulted widely with companies, government agencies and non-governmental organizations to define key areas of shared interest. We then assembled, ran and facilitated collaborative groups that allowed the members to explore issues by sharing perspectives. Participants in the New Genetics collaborative project included GSK, Nycomed Amersham, UK Human Genetics Commission, Deutsche Telekom, Siemens, IBM, UK Forensic Science Service, UK Department of Health and Unilever. At the end of each program, the key findings were summarized and circulated to the participants. Outputs from the New Genetics program also formed the basis for advice to the UK Parliament and Human Genetics Commission.Why did you choose to move away from bench research?During my postdoctoral work, I became increasingly aware that bench research was too detailed and focused for me. I have always been interested in how biology is integrated into society – so a move into biopolicy was attractive.Are you considering going back into research?No. I get enough discussion of gels, confocal microscopy and genetic screens from talking with my cell-biologist wife!What are the good and bad points about your job?A wide range of topics and discussions with interesting people with diverse perspectives ensures constant intellectual stimulation. I have also enjoyed being able to work from home much of the time – as much of my work can be conducted by e-mail and telephone.However, there is no substitute for face-to-face meetings, and so science-policy analysts have to either live, or travel regularly to, where laws get made – in my case Brussels or London – and to position themselves where clients and other policymakers are based. In the USA, most policy work takes place in Washington DC.One bad point about working for a small policy institute is the need to constantly have to generate new business. In this regard, there is no escape from the short-term nature of project grants so familiar in biomedical research. However, working for larger organizations or government departments can offer more job security, although the variety enjoyed by individuals can then be constrained.Is there any advice you can give to someone thinking of pursuing a career similar to yours?Since science policy is a wide area, there are many different types of job available in a large number of places, including: policy institutes, government departments, science academies and universities, corporate planning departments, and consultancy firms. In order to understand whether any of these jobs might suit you, speak to people already doing them. Their insights and recommendations are invaluable. One of the most important pieces of advice I was given was that, in order to get into science policy work, you need three things: knowledge of the science, contacts and policy experience.Remember, you are already an expert in biology (compared with most policy makers). There is no necessity to do further academic training. It is better for you to spend time developing experience and contacts instead. Use the contacts that you, your colleagues and mentors have to expand your network. Speak to academics who are government advisors and to the secretariats at science academies and advisory groups. Exploit professional societies and meetings. For example, the annual American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) meeting has specific policy sessions, and other large scientific meetings do too. Develop your policy experience by writing short briefing notes on policy areas that interest you. This proves that you can write succinctly. Polish up your transferable skills and explain how your research career and extracurricular activities have honed them. Emphasize your undoubted abilities in analysis, team working, project management, communication, presentation and networking.Were your colleagues and mentors encouraging and/or helpful about your choice of career move?In general, yes. Larry Goldstein was very supportive. Others were I think slightly disappointed – but not surprised.Did you consider any other non-research careers?I thought about management consultancy, but decided that I wasn't prepared to make the required sacrifices to my personal life.Fig. 1View Large Image | Download PowerPoint Slide