Updates
Newly elected board members
Congratulations to our newly elected board members! Visit our Leadership page to learn more about their backgrounds, experiences, and the expertise they bring to our organization.
Join the SPDG 2026-27 Leadership board
The Science Policy and Diplomacy Group at Johns Hopkins (SPDG) is looking for highly motivated and independent graduate students interested in science policy and diplomacy issues. SPDG is focused on advocating for data-driven science policy and diplomacy initiatives as well as connecting current graduate students with these issues and related career resources.
Available positions include Science Policy Coordinator, Science Diplomacy Coordinator, and Science Communication Chair, with multiple openings for each role. No prior experience in science policy, diplomacy, or communication is required. This is an excellent opportunity to engage with issues shaping science at the university, state, federal, and international levels.
Applications are due July 17, 2026, and additional details about responsibilities are available in the application form. Applicants selected for the next stage will be invited to brief virtual interviews in July and August.
Email Andrew Mattson at amattso1@jhu.edu if you have any questions! We would be happy to discuss the positions and responsibilities further over email, Zoom, or in-person if that would be helpful.
Blog posts
The past is our present: A history of America’s complicated relationship with science
History has a way of repeating itself. In times of turmoil, it’s worth remembering that much of what we experience today has likely happened in some form before.
A recent Medium post co-authored by SPDG’s president, Andrew Mattson, highlights how science has often been met with skepticism, resistance, or misunderstanding before later being accepted and valued. Read the blog post on Medium.
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!
June recap
NAS state of science
SPDG members attended the National Academy of Sciences’ State of the Science address. Read our post to learn more about the event and its key insights.
EU delegation
Members of SPDG and SPG@UMD visited the European Union Delegation in Washington, D.C. During the visit, they learned how the delegation represents EU interests in the United States and works to strengthen EU–U.S. cooperation across a range of issues.
Additional opportunities
Stance on science - Maryland team
June 23 is Maryland’s Primary Election Day! Polls close at 8:00 PM EDT, so make sure to cast your vote.
The Stance on Science Maryland team has compiled information regarding the candidates’ positions on science policy to help voters make informed decisions. Follow them on Instagram and Medium to stay updated.
In addition, sign up to be a state volunteer and help ensure science guides policy in the 2026 elections.
OMB public comment deadline
July 13, 2026
11: 59 pm EDT
Virtual
The proposed OMB draft rule (OMB-2026-0034), which would expand federal oversight of the grant review process through additional disclosure requirements and payment justifications. One effective way to influence policy proposals such as this is by submitting a public comment, especially since the OMB is required to consider comments during the rulemaking process.
The deadline for public comments on the OMB’s Federal Financial Assitance Rule is July 13, 2026 at 11:59 pm EDT. For a more detailed guide to public comments, check out Dr. Ginexi’s recent article.
Internships and fellowships
| Program | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| TechCongress Congressional Innovation Fellowship | Bachelors, Masters, PhD candidate. | June 28, 2026 11:59 PM EDT |
| GovAI DC winter fellowship 2027 | Varies (Check website for more details) |
July 12, 2026 11:59 PM EDT |
Department of Energy (DOE) Science, Technology, and Policy (STP) Program | Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree. | Rolling |
| DOE-STP Office of Policy Fellowship Opportunity | Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree. | Rolling |