US Science Policy Training: Risks and Concerns

Training scientists to engage with policy-makers and pursue careers in public service is among the most effective ways to turn research strength into real-world impact. However, in February, the Trump administration eliminated key science-policy training programs, including the Presidential Management Fellowship (1), the Donald M. Payne International Development Fellowship (2), and the newly formed Science for Development Fellowship at the US Agency for International Development (USAID) (3). It also abruptly terminated fellows in the Laboratory Leadership Service at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (4) and the Presidential Innovation Fellowship at the General Services Administration (5). As alumni of the AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship (AAAS is the publisher of Science), which places hundreds of scientists in federal agencies each year, we urge the US government to preserve science-policy training programs and recognize their role in sustaining American scientific leadership and global competitiveness.