Working with Congress: Methods for Influencing Policy

As I approach the end of my year as a Congressional Science Fellow, I realize more than ever how important it is for scientists to participate in the policymaking process. As a “staffer” in the office of Congressman Rush Holt, I have met with several groups and constituents who have diverse interests in science policy and the funding of federal agencies and programs.

As scientists and as citizens, we can all benefit in many ways from being actively involved in the work done on Capitol Hill. Or we…