Events
Maryland General Assembly visit day
January 2026
Annapolis, MD
Join the Science Policy & Diplomacy Group for an advocacy day at the Maryland General Assembly this January. This visit offers JHU graduate students the opportunity to learn how to advocate advocate for state-level policies on AI regulation, public transportation, and animal testing. Visit day will take place in late January (date TBD). The interest form is due by January 5 at 11:59 PM ET and is open to all JHU graduate students(U.S. citizenship not required). Apply using the QR code in the flyer or this form.
Emerging Tech hackathon
February 20, 2026
555 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC
The Emerging Tech Hackathon, held on the second day of the Emerging Tech Symposium, offers participants an exciting opportunity to collaborate and apply cutting-edge ideas to real-world challenges. Hosted in collaboration with the Emerging Tech Initiative, the hackathon will bring together interdisciplinary teams from across JHU, to integrate technical, strategic, and policy perspectives.
Hackathon tracks will build directly on the seminars from the previous day, allowing participants to develop solutions inspired by the symposium’s key themes. The registration deadline is Sunday, February 8, 2026. Forms will open in the first week of January so be sure to follow our posts for updates.
Matt Lubin, JHSPDG Policy Coordinator, discusses the consequences of the United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization. Flu and COVID-19 sample submissions have dropped sharply which has left the country with less visibility into emerging viruses. The blog also explains the broader impacts on pandemic preparedness, global health security, and U.S. leadership. Check it out!
Interested in writing for the blog?
Interested in writing about science policy? You can contribute a blog on policy topics related to your research or any area of science policy that excites you. Our editors will support you throughout the process. If you’d like to get involved, submit a blog idea through the form!
December recap
Embassy of Czechia
Group photo at the Czech Embassy
Embassy of Czechia, Washington, D. C.
At a holiday event hosted by the Science Diplomacy Grid at the Czech Embassy, our Vice President, Lucie Dequiedt, spoke on the panel What Has 2025 Shown & What’s Ahead?. Check out the LinkedIn post here!
Opportunity deadlines
Due date
Title
January 1, 2026
January 9, 2026
January 15, 2026
Emerging Tech Symposium 2026
February 19-20, 2026
555 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC
The Emerging Tech Symposium, hosted by the Emerging Tech Initiative, brings together students, researchers, and innovators to explore cutting-edge developments across emerging technologies. Panels cover AI regulation, tech sovereignty, and the private sector’s role in driving innovation. Registration forms will go live in the first week of January, and the official deadline to register is Sunday, February 8, 2026.
AAAS
February 12-14, 2026
Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, AZ
The AAAS Annual Meeting offers an exciting interdisciplinary program, with over 120 scientific sessions, plenary and topical lectures, workshops, e-poster presentations, and an international Expo. Discounted rates are available through January 22, 2026, with standard rates applying thereafter. Walk-in registration will not be available, and online registration remains open through the last day of the meeting.
Students may also apply to serve as a Student Session Aide. Currently enrolled university students may volunteer as Aides, who receive complimentary Deluxe meeting registration in exchange for their service.
UVA Policy Bootcamp - Advocacy in action
January 6 -7, 2026 , 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM EST
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Join the Science Policy Initiative (SPI) at UVA and PhD Plus for a policy-focused professional development workshop for Virginia graduate students and postdocs on January 6 and 7, 2026, from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. Participants will explore science policy and state-level advocacy strategies. In-person participants must register by 12:00 pm on Friday, January 2, and virtual participants may register any time before or during the event.
From Organizing to Op-Eds: How early career STEM Professionals can effectively engage with policymakers and the public through writing
January 5, 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C.
Going to the Joint Mathematics Meeting in DC? Join Brendon Davis (SPDG President) at 2 PM on Monday, January 5th for an op-ed writing workshop designed for students and early career STEM professionals. This workshop will cover how the McClintock Letters initiative helped early career STEM professionals publish over 175 op-eds nationwide and walk you through a step-by-step approach to writing and publishing effective op-eds. More details can be found here!
Stance on science
Stance on Science, a SNAP initiative, is designed to ensure science informs political decision-making. The initiative sends candidates science policy-related questions and publicly shares their responses. By highlighting candidates’ views on science, Stance on Science aims to elevate science in political conversations and remind candidates that voters care about informed, evidence-based leadership. Sign up to be a state volunteer and help ensure science guides policy in the 2026 elections.