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SPAG 2023 Science Policy Certificate Series

We hold a Certificate Series biannually. This series concluded in May 2023.

 

We are so excited to offer a Science Policy Certificate Series in Spring 2023. Events will include a mix of informational sessions and hands-on workshops, both virtual and in person. We hope to see you there! See below for more information.

General Certificate Requirements

  • Attendance and submission of event attendance tracker form for each individual event.
  • Event requirements:
    • Sci Pol 101 (Required for All)
    • 1 Science Policy Topic Event
    • 2 Science Policy Workshop Events
    • 1 Career-Focused Event

Advanced Certificate Requirements

  • General Certificate Requirements + submission of a deliverable
    • Deliverable can be developed at one of our offered  science policy workshop or independently but must be focused on a science policy topic. Examples can include policy memos, op-eds, policy briefs, or participation in a tentative meet-with-legislators event at the end of the semester.  If there’s enough interest, SPAG will also facilitate the formation of policy paper writing teams who can work together to write an article to submit to JSPG.

These attendance requirements are the minimum…we’d love to see you at any/all of our events, regardless of whether or not you are pursuing the certificate from us!

Events Schedule

The event schedule will be updated as speaker dates are confirmed, events listed below are tentative. Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on twitter to stay up to date on our series as we confirm speakers and dates!

Jan. 10th, 1-2 PM: Sci Pol 101. Since this is the only required event, and the other Science Policy Certificate Series event requirements have multiple options, you can also watch this asynchronously on our YouTube channel. To receive credit, you must still fill out the event form.

Jan. 24th, 12:30-1:30 PM, Sci Pol X Environment Topic Event (virtual). Watch the recording here. Note: only synchronous attendance at this event will count toward certificate requirements.

Feb. 7th, 4-5 PM: Policy Brief Writing Workshop, Bondurant G-030. Join SPAG and Dr. Rebecca Kreitzer to learn how to write a policy brief.

Feb. 28th, 12:30-1:30 PM, Sci Pol X Bioethics Topic Event, MBRB G-202. The topic for this event is Human Gene Editing: Science, Policy, and Ethics. Our panelists are experts in gene editing science, bioethics, or policy, and they will come together to discuss the current status of human gene editing and its implications, with time for audience discussion. Speakers include Dr. Gail Henderson, Dr. Jean Cadigan, Dr. John Conley, and Dr. Scott Randell.

March 9th, 12-1PM, Science Policy Fellowships Panel (virtual). Ever wondered what a science policy fellowship looks like? Join us to hear from three people with different science policy fellowships. Watch the recording here. Note: only synchronous attendance at this event will count toward certificate requirements.

March 30th, 12:30-1:30PM, Op-Ed Writing Workshop (3116 Mary Ellen Jones). Come learn how to write an op-ed on a science policy topic! We’ll cover choosing a topic, translating your science, finding an outlet, and submitting. Lunch will be provided on a first come, first serve basis. Space is limited, register here!

April 4th, 4-5PM: Policy Memo Writing Workshop (virtual). Join SPAG and Dr. Julianne McCall, Director of Programs and Events for the Journal of Science Policy and Governance, to learn how to write a policy memo. Register here!

April 11th, 1-2PM, Careers in Science Policy (virtual).

April 13th, 12:30-2PM, Sci Pol X Women’s Health Consortium Topic Event (Bondurant G-100). The topic for this event is Policy and Progress: Key Perspectives in Women’s Health. Register here!

April 20th, 9-10AM, Sci Pol X Diplomacy Topic Event (MEJ 3112 and hybrid via zoom). The topic for this event is Policy Across Borders. Register here!

April 21st, 12-1PM, How to Speak to Legislators Workshop (Bondurant G-010). Join the Science Policy and Advocacy Group (SPAG) to learn how to talk with legislators, led by Amy McConkey, director of UNC’s State Affairs, and Kelly Dockham & Roxana Boyd, director and assistant director of UNC’s Federal Affairs. This workshop will provide tips for effectively communicating key points to specific audiences as well as offer opportunities to get direct feedback on potential pitches based on research area. Lunch with be provided on a first come, first serve basis. Register here!

Questions? Reach out to Rami Major, ramim@live.unc.edu.