National Research Council
Christine Mirzayan Science and Technology Policy
Graduate Student/Postdoctorate
Internship Program
http://www2.nas.edu/nrc-ip
Purpose: The internships are designed to engage science, engineering,
medical, and law students in the creation of science and technology policy
and to familiarize them with the interactions of science and government.
Program: The National Research Council (NRC), the operating arm of the
National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and the National Academy of Engineering
(NAE), a private non-governmental organization, believes it is important
that science and engineering graduate and postdoctoral students as well as
medical and veterinary students be exposed to a variety of experiences. In
addition, given the importance of science and technology today, law
students also need exposure to science and technology policy issues.
Therefore, the NRC established a summer internship program in 1997 to
provide these students with the unique experience of working with an NRC
activity.
This year, over 20 interns will spend approximately ten weeks working in
one of the commissions of the National Research Council or the programs of
the NAS, NAE, or Institute of Medicine (IOM) (the Academy "complex").
During the program, interns will be exposed to national experts and
state-of-the-art thinking, an issue of national importance, and the
opportunity to conduct the research or develop an activity needed for a
report that will be published and which may have significant national
impact.
Each intern will be assigned to a senior program officer who will act as
their mentor. The mentor will provide guidance to the intern and ensure
their time is focused on substantive work and activities. Please note that
the purpose of this internship program is to broaden the intern's
experience. A prospective applicant should not apply for the program
if they are only willing to work in their field or if they are only
interested in working in one part of the Academy complex.
The 1999 summer internship program will occur from May 31, 1999 to August
6, 1999. The program includes an orientation on NRC activities,
congressional and executive branch operations, scientific societies and
nonprofit organizations that play a role in science and technology policy,
and a seminar program on issues involving science, technology, and public
policy.
At the conclusion of the program, students will be asked to make a
presentation on the work they have completed that summer and their
experiences.
Criteria: Applications for the internships are invited from graduate
students through post-doctoral candidates in any physical, biological,
or social science field or any field of engineering, medicine/health, or
veterinary medicine as well as law students who are specializing in
science or engineering-related law. A prospective intern must
demonstrate exceptional competence and sensitivity toward
political and social issues.
Award: The internship stipend is $4,000 which is to cover all living
expenses for the 10-week period. In addition, travel expenses of up
to $500 will be provided based upon need. Internships may not be
shorter than 10-weeks, but may be extended upon agreement between
the individual intern and his/her mentor.
Application Process: To apply, candidates should submit the application
available at the web site and submit one letter of reference (also on-line)
meeting the requirements described at the web site. The deadline for
receipt of materials is March 1, 1999. Incomplete applications cannot be
considered. Decisions will be made in mid to late-March.
For Other Questions: Send an e-mail to nrc-ip [at] nas.edu (preferred), fax to
(202)334-1667, call (202)334-2455, or write to the address below. All
current and available information is on-line at the web site.
NRC Christine Mirzayan Internship Program
National Research Council, FO-2050I
2101 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20418