Biophysical Newsletter - June 2014

10

BIOPHYSICAL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER

2014

JUNE

Dear Molly Cule

Professor Molly Cule is delighted to receive comments on her answers and (anonymized) questions at mollycule@biophysics.org , or visit her on the BPS Blog.

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

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 specifically, science policy and program manage- ment, is one field in which scientists are poised to be very successful.

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-

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

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.

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