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Science Policy Careers

What is Science Policy?

Science policy is defined as being an area of public policy which is concerned with

the policies that affect the conduct of the science and research enterprise…often in

There is a wide range of employers in this field, with many roles in government

departments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), think tanks, charities, private

sector businesses such as the food industry and pharmaceuticals, and in

professional and learned organisations such as the Royal Society. Science policy

experts must have an understanding of science, politics and economics, and the

work involves a combination of science writing, communication and advocacy. Some

roles may require a science degree, but others may be open to non-science

graduates who have excellent research, analysis, writing and advocacy skills.

The related field of science communication

generally refers to communicating

involves, the skills and experience required, who the main employers are, how to find

relevant work experience and networking opportunities, and where to find jobs.

What the job involves

Enthusiasm for science and its broader relevance to society is vital. Communication

is central so you need be able to work collaboratively, and produce clear, concise

briefs, both written and oral. There is a great variety of activities and topics you may

have to engage with so adaptability is also important.

interpret laws and bills.

that covers working in science communication, in particular public engagement, press & PR,

and working in the media.

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Science policy experts work in a wide range of organisations. Typical responsibilities

include collecting and and synthesising information, writing reports and policy

Many liaise with scientists to help them get support for their research, and to help

them to communicate their knowledge to government and the public, to inform policy

or tackle national and international challenges.

The aim of the role can be to generate support for scientific research or study, or to

develop government science policy and inform decision making, including political

and ethical thinking. Professionals in this field must have a deep understanding of

the relationship between scientists and the public, how people learn about and

engage with science, and how to use mass media effectively. Blogging has became

an important way of communicating in this field (see below for some useful blogs).

Postgraduate study

For those interested in science policy careers postgraduate study could be very

useful. There are now a number of masters and PhD courses in science policy,

including the interdisciplinary MSc in Science and Technology in Society offered at

Edinburgh, and the popular MSc Climate Change and Environmental Policy. These

courses allow students to develop an understanding of policy as a field of practice, to

critically evaluate and think analytically about science and policy issues, understand

apply their specialist skills and knowledge to the development and application of

policies, working alongside other specialists and generalists. You’ll be expected to

become as comfortable in a policy or operational delivery role as you are in a

technical environment.

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Who employs science policy workers?

policy. Others join independent think-tanks, to advise official bodies from the outside.

Some even create their own science-policy positions by setting up a think-tank, or

acting as independent advisers.

But before anyone takes the plunge into policy, veterans advise you to consider what

you wish to do in the long term: whether you want to move back and forth between

science and policy, or make the decision to leave one world for the other.

At the end of this document you will find annotated lists of

Getting involved in Edinburgh

Some societies will also help you develop your research skills, as well as increase

your knowledge, e.g. Science young researchers

Events are also organised by universities, learned societies, employers and others,

that provide both excellent learning and networking opportunities, including

academic and professional conferences, science festivals and training events.

Internships

Many of the organisations listed in the Appendices offer internships in this area.

Read here how an internship led Paul Richards to a career in Science Policy:

http://www.sgm.ac.uk/en/all-microsite-sections/careers/science-policy.cfm

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Speculative applications

Track down your own opportunities! Use the resources on our website to identify the

employer/s you would like to work for, then ask if they can offer you work experience.

http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/careers/looking-for-work/internships/unadvertised-

internships

Social media & networking

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Some Research Councils run policy training workshops for researchers. For

examples see:

Government

The Civil Service Fast Stream recruits graduates into the Science & Engineering

Fast Stream:

The Council for Science and Technology (CST) – a non-departmental public body

(NDPB), advises the Prime Minister on science and technology policy issues.

Internships are often available.

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National Assembly for Wales Research Service

Nia Seaton, Members' Research Service (listed as contact for internships):

Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) RSC Westminster

Scholarship interns:

Sciencewise - a BIS funded programme to improve Government policy making

involving science and technology, provides co-funding and specialist advice to help

government departments, agencies and NGOs develop and commission public

dialogue.

Scientific organisations

CaSE: Campaign for Science & Engineering Policy - the leading independent

advocate for science and engineering in the UK, working with a wide range of

industrialists, educationalists, researchers and academics to raise the profile and

obtain vital research funding. Advertise jobs ranging from internships and graduate

entry, to more experienced positions, and very senior roles suitable for career

changers. The website has useful links to science policy blogs, government

departments, and to other science organisations.

postgraduate education.

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The Society offers a range of grants, awards and prizes to undergraduates,

postgraduates and researchers. Vacation studentships give undergraduates the

The Royal Society - the UK’s national academy of science. Its Science Policy

Centre plays an influential role in national and international science policy, providing

independent and authoritative scientific advice to UK, European and international

decision makers. It works in collaboration with other experts to champion the

contribution that science and innovation can make to economic prosperity, quality of

life and environmental sustainability, and provides a hub for debate about science,

society and public policy.

Royal Society of Chemistry – the RSC is very active in the development of policy

relevant to the chemical sciences. They strive to maximisie the effectiveness of

research and education, and facilitate policymakers’ use of scientific information.

They provide expert information and gather evidence so policy makers and the

public are informed and up to date on current scientific and education issues.

The website includes vacancies within the society and information about the career

Society for General Microbiology – professional society for microbiologists. It

provides useful careers information, including what a science policy officer in this

field does.

The Society of Biology – represents a diverse membership of individuals, learned

societies and other organisations, including a number of a number of Special Interest

Groups. It is involved in advising Government and influencing policy; advancing

education and professional development; supporting members, and engaging

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Internships - Contact Dr Jackie Caine, Senior Science Policy Advisor, to find out

evidence and insights from science and technology to decision-making in

order to have a positive impact on equitable and sustainable development and

poverty reduction. The website is an invaluable source for information, news and

blogs about the biggest challenges facing science communication, as well as job

adverts in science policy, science communication, and related fields worldwide.

The Science Council is a membership body of learned societies and professional

bodies across science, including the Science in Health Group. It aims to provide

leadership in policy by fostering debate and the exchange of ideas about scientific

concerns with member bodies and a wide range of stakeholders through research,

meetings, seminars, discussion papers, policy proposals, consultations, and public

opportunities to work for WISE, and jobs from employers with a positive attitude to

NIDOS - network in Scotland that unites the international development sector to

promote effectiveness and collectively influence the policy agenda. Our aim is to

strengthen the contribution of Scottish organisations to reducing inequality and

poverty worldwide. NIDOS member organisations, both individually and through

collective fora such as NIDOS, are also active in policy work to tackle the root

causes of poverty. members working in at least 142 countries with a wide range of

specialisms. Networking with member organisations and key stakeholders including

the Scottish Government and DFID, events and training, member directory