University of California: STEM Policy Pitch Competition
Do you have a vision for how to apply research in your field to shape California policy?
Enter in UC’s STEM Policy Pitch Competition!
March 25: Application deadline
April 26 @ 5PM PDT: Policy Pitch competition — Zoom
May (TBD): Sacramento networking & poster session — In person
See FAQs below or reach out to uclascipolgroup@gmail.com with further questions!
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PhD students in STEM programs with experience in science policy are welcome to enter!
Whether this is through your institution’s science policy group or external experience, those who have previously dedicated efforts towards understanding STEM-related policy issues are encouraged to apply.
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A pitch will be a 3-4 minute presentation on a policy proposal centered on a STEM-related issue. There will be 2-3 minutes of Q&A following the presentation.
The topic does not have to be directly related to your research. While we recommend that the policy topic is within or adjacent to your field of research, this is not mandatory.
The competition will be held virtually, so preparing slides to accompany your oral pitch is recommended but not required.
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Clarity: Were the problem and solution clearly communicated, with adequate context and minimal jargon?
Organization: Was the pitch and visuals (if used) well organized and easy to follow?
Feasibility: How well does the student understand the political landscape surrounding their topic, such as key stakeholders, supporters, and opponents? Do they provide a clear picture of how their ideas can be funded and implemented?
Public Impact/Policy Significance: Does the student explain why their topic matters to society and policymakers? Do they articulate the benefits of their solution and the consequences of inaction?
Delivery: Does the student deliver their pitch well? (Consider pace, enthusiasm, vocal range, and lack of filler words.)
Q&A: Was the student professional when answering questions? Did they directly answer the question asked? Were their answers thoughtful and insightful?
Engagement: Did the pitch spark your curiosity? Did it showcase how science can inform policy?
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The pitch competition will be judged by a bipartisan panel of elected officials.
If there is a high volume of applicants, there will be a preliminary screen of pitches that will be judged by science policy advisors from participating programs.
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The top three participants will be invited to Sacramento for networking and a poster session (covid permitting).
The trip will be two nights and consist of a poster-session and networking event with California state legislators and staffers.
Lodging and transportation will be covered in part by a Research!America microgrant.
