Science Policy Group at UCLA

WHETHER YOU ARE a student interested in Science & Tech issues OR ARE AN ENGAGED CITIZEN LEARNING HOW TO ADVOCATE FOR EVIDENCE-BASED SOLUTIONS IN SOCIETY, THE SCIENCE POLICY GROUP AT UCLA WOULD LOVE TO HAVE YOU INVOLVED!

Our goal is to engage with issues at the intersection of science, policy, and society in order to address and advocate for critical issues related to science, health, technology, and the environment.

We have three primary objectives:

  1. Engage within and beyond the UCLA community to convey the impact and role of science on everyday issues.

  2. Create and consolidate science policy professional development tools for students and scientists.

  3. Provide opportunities to interact with policymakers through advocacy and speaker events.

We strive to make policy more accessible to scientists, and science more accessible to the public.

To this end, we pursue projects within these categories:

  • Science Advocacy

    Learn about a science policy issue (ex. by doing a deep-dive to create an infographic or writing a policy memo) and meet with local lawmakers to present the evidence on proposed legislation or regulations.

  • science outreach

    We partner with or participate within several organizations aimed at demystifying STEM research inspiring the next generation of scientists. Volunteer to host a “virtual field trip” with the UCLA Science Project, participate in our booth at UCLA’s annual Explore Your Universe event, or sign up for Skype a Scientist and receive feedback from us on your presentation!

  • SCIENCE COMMUNICATION

    Effective science communication builds trust between scientists and the public. Learn how to connect your research or finings in your field to broader applications and audiences. We provide opportunities to build your general science writing skills.

  • POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT

    Local government can be overwhelming: For example, what is the LA County Board of Supervisors? What voting district am I in? When and how frequently are elections? How does this role impact science policy issues I care about?

    We create resources to break down these questions & host events where you can interact with local lawmakers yourself.

  • CAREER DEVELOPMENT

    What does a career in science policy look like? What internships are available? What were the career trajectories of leaders at institutions like the National Science Foundation? How can I build and demonstrate skills that will prepare me to work at the interface of science and society?

    We host professionals from a variety of science policy backgrounds for workshops, info sessions, Q&As, and networking events.

  • community

    Whether you are coming to events, joining a writing team, participating in an interest group, we provide lots of opportunities to meet and connect with fellow students. Have a topic you’re already passionate about? We can definitely introduce you to others with the same interest! Want to learn about new topics but not sure where to start? We’ll make sure you stay in the loop with all ongoing projects so that when something catches your attention, you can join in!

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Big data. Drug addiction. Climate change. Misinformation. Our contemporary world faces significant opportunities, choices, and challenges in the present and near future. In an era of uncertainty, science-informed government is paramount to the well-being of our global civilization. Therefore, it is crucial that the knowledge enterprise, including UCLA, plays a role in shaping science policy.