BIOPHYSICAL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER
10
JUNE
2014
Dear Molly Cule
Professor Molly Cule is delighted to receive comments on her answers and (anonymized) questions
at
, or visit her on the BPS Blog.
How can I get involved in science policy?
Your desire to redirect your career after pursu-
ing a research-focused PhD is not uncommon.
Many scientists, of varying career levels, have
chosen to pursue careers beyond the bench after
completing their research training. Some have
done so after years as an independent investiga-
tor. Fortunately, as a scientist you have the skills
needed to succeed in a variety of fields, including
science policy.
Scientists develop the
critical thinking and
analytical skills that
represent a key asset
necessary for success in
a variety of fields. Public
policy, and more specifi-
cally, science policy and
program management,
is one field in which sci-
entists are poised to be
very successful. Scores
of junior and senior
scientists alike have suc-
cessfully made the transition from the bench to
science policy. While there is no direct path for
such a transition, there are a variety of options
and paths available.
Todd Haim
, a BPS member now employed at
the National Cancer Institute at NIH, started
his transition to a career in science policy while
a graduate student. He attended policy ses-
sions and subsequently joined the Biophysical
Society’s Public Affairs Committee. In that role,
he made a visit to Congress and participated in
many of the Committee’s public affairs activities.
Haim says that at the time, he didn’t quite real-
ize that it was such a key step in his career path.
Yet, he notes that it is small experiences like that
can help light that spark.
Haim recommends that whether you are a
student, postdoc, or independent investigator,
you find time to attend talks by policy makers,
collaborate with government researchers, and
participate in workshops and review meetings.
Even activities like faculty senate or student
government can become key steps in that career
transition.
“Without even realizing it, I was preparing for
my current position while at Einstein, through
my involvement in
graduate student
organizations and the
Biophysical Society.
Through these ac-
tivities, I refined my
ability to work success-
fully in teams as well
as strengthened my
leadership skills,” says
Haim.
It is also important
to note that while
participating in these
activities, you will be creating networking op-
portunities that are bound to expose you to
further opportunities in policy and public affairs.
Such networking opportunities may open doors
to temporary positions within federal agencies
or roles on federal working groups and advisory
committees.
These experiences will also be critical in helping
you figure out exactly how you want to partici-
pate in policy activities and in which aspects
you are most interested. There is no one way
to impact science policy. Some scientists choose
to have a profound impact by playing key roles
in policy-related committees such as a federal
agency’s advisory committee or a National Acad-
emy of Sciences committee. Other scientists will
Scientists develop the critical
thinking and analytical skills
that represent a key asset
necessary for success in a
variety of fields. Public policy,
and more specifically, science
policy and program manage-
ment, is one field in which
scientists are poised to be
very successful.
