By Sheeva Azma

Fancy Comma, LLC is a science communications and policy consulting company, but we can’t do it all. In reality, the world needs more people like us to do the essential work of ensuring science is used to benefit people through evidence-based policymaking. At Fancy Comma, part of our dual mission to serve our clients and help train policy-informed scientists involves providing free science communication and science policy resources.

If you like communicating science to nonscientists, being a science policy consultant could be a good job (or even side hustle) for you. A lot of this work, especially in the advocacy space, is unpaid, but you can also get paid!

Science policy experts bridge the gap between scientific research and policy-making, ensuring that decisions are informed by robust scientific evidence. If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a science policy consultant, this guide will outline the steps you need to take, the skills required, and the opportunities available in this dynamic field.

What a Science Policy Consultant Does

Science policy consultants work in various settings, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, think tanks, and private companies.

Science policy consultants’ primary responsibilities can include:

• Advising policymakers on scientific issues related to health, environment, technology, agriculture, energy, and more.
• Analyzing policies to assess their implications for scientific research and innovation.
• Communicating complex scientific concepts to non-expert audiences, including legislators and stakeholders.
• Conducting research to inform evidence-based policy decisions. This can include writing white papers about science policy issues.
• Developing grassroots, people-focused strategies to help support science’s role in decision-making (such as helping elect a scientist to Congress).

For more ideas, check out our services page – we serve the policy sector in addition to health, business, finance, technology, and science (as well as all of the different intersections of these fields)!

Step 1: Consider Your Educational Background

A solid educational foundation is essential for a career in science policy. Most science policy consultants hold one or more degrees in science disciplines such as biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, and so on. Social science backgrounds (for example, political science, psychology, sociology, public policy) are also relevant.

Most people with a science background have at least a bachelor’s degree in a scientific field. Some have advanced degrees, such as a master’s or PhD. Courses in political science or public administration can also be beneficial. Some universities offer science policy courses at the undergraduate and even graduate levels.

Step 2: Gain Relevant Experience

In the absence of time to take a course, here are some places you can get science policy information for free as a science major/scientist:

• FYI: Science Policy News from the American Institute of Physics
• C-SPAN
• Fancy Comma’s Science Policy Resources Page

Experience is crucial in establishing credibility as a science policy consultant. Here are several ways to gain relevant experience:

• Work on a political campaign. Field organizing roles, in particular, are volunteer positions typically open to everyone, regardless of background or political experience.
• Check out our list of 21 ways to get involved in science policy.
• Consider interning in Congress, other branches of government, non-profits, or think tanks focused on science and technology issues. Various states have state-level science advisory bodies which have internships and fellowship opportunities available.
• Engage with organizations that advocate for scientific issues, such as AAAS or the Union of Concerned Scientists. This involvement can help you understand the policy landscape and build connections.
• Networking: Attend conferences and workshops related to science policy. Networking with professionals in the field can lead to mentorship opportunities and job openings.

Step 3: Develop Essential Skills

Successful science policy consultants possess a variety of skills that enable them to navigate the complexities of both science and politics:

• Communication Skills: The ability to convey complex scientific information clearly and persuasively is critical. Develop both written and verbal communication skills through practice and feedback. Fancy Comma can help!
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical abilities are necessary for evaluating policies and their impacts on scientific research. Luckily, you have these skills from studying science! Take stock of your transferrable skills.
• Understanding of Policy Processes: Gain knowledge about how policies are formulated, implemented, and evaluated. Understanding legislative processes will help you navigate interactions with policymakers effectively. We’ve blogged a lot about the three branches of government here at Fancy Comma; check out all our science policy posts here.

Step 4: Keep Up with Current Issues

Science policy is an ever-evolving field influenced by new research findings, technological advancements, and societal needs. To remain relevant:

• Follow Current Events: Stay updated on news related to science policy through reputable sources such as journals, news outlets, and professional organizations.
• Engage with Thought Leaders: Follow influential figures in science policy on social media platforms like X, Instagram (check out our science policy “highlight” on our IG page), or LinkedIn. Connecting with people in science policy can help you stay in the loop.
• Follow Political Leaders: At the bare minimum, follow the legislators in the district(s) in which you live, work, and play. Social media is a great place to do this. For example, here is a curated list of all Members of Congress’s X accounts from C-SPAN that updates in real time (check out all of C-SPAN’s X lists here).
• Follow Government Agencies: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Science Policy has a blog you can subscribe to. Various government agencies also have webpages about their science policies, such as NASA. By keeping up with what is happening in government science policy, you are better equipped to know where your work might fit in. You can even apply to agency science policy jobs on USAJOBS!

Step 5: Build Your Portfolio

As you gain experience and develop your skills, start building a portfolio that showcases your work:

• Write Articles or Blogs: Contribute articles or blog posts on relevant science policy topics. This will demonstrate your expertise and enhance your visibility in the field. LinkedIn posts and Instagram reels count, too!
• Present at Conferences: Seek opportunities to present your research or insights at academic or professional conferences. Most professional societies have a science policy working group or even a more dedicated advocacy effort, such as my own professional organization, the Society for Neuroscience.

If you’re not sure what a science policy portfolio looks like, check out my portfolio which has tons of science policy work!

The Bottom Line

Science policy consultants play a vital role in ensuring that scientific evidence informs public decision-making. Despite this, policy is not an established career path in science. As a science policy consultant, you can help shape policies to tackle big challenges while advancing the impact of science research. Whether you’re advocating for sustainable energy solutions or promoting public health initiatives, your work as a consultant can drive meaningful change in society.

Start a science policy career with Fancy Comma, LLC’s free resources

Scientists, don’t agonize — organize. Fancy Comma’s free resources have helped scientists get jobs in policy, journalism, and more. Check out our science policy videos on our YouTube and subscribe to The Fancy Comma Blog and newsletter for insights delivered directly to your inbox.