Events
Introduction to federal policy advocacy
November 4th, 6 to 7pm EST
UTL 289, Homewood campus
The Science Policy and Diplomacy Group at JHU invites you to join our Introduction to Federal Policy Advocacy event on Tuesday, November 4th, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Undergraduate Teaching Laboratories (UTL) 289. At this event we will provide an overview of how federal science policy is made and how scientists like you can play an active role in the process. We hope to see you there!
Attendance is limited to 20 participants, so if you’re interested, please RSVP using this link as soon as possible.
Meetups at the embassy series: Embassy of Japan
November 10th, 3 to 4:30pm EST
Embassy of Japan, Washington, D.C.
The Science Policy and Diplomacy Group (SPDG) at Johns Hopkins is excited to host the first event in its “Meetups at the Embassy” series for the academic year. This event offers a unique opportunity for JHU graduate students to engage with representatives from the Embassy of Japan. Interested M.S. and Ph.D. students from DC and Baltimore-based programs are encouraged to apply by completing the form by Friday, October 31st at 11:59 PM.
Selected attendees will receive a confirmation email with event logistics. Please note that a passport or U.S.-issued photo ID will be required for entry.
Blog posts
JHSPDG President Brendon Davis recently published a blog post regarding the urgent need to protect scientific research funding. He breaks down why bipartisan support for science matters and why pushing back against grant cancellations and budget cuts is critical for the future of innovation. A must-read for anyone following the current science policy landscape. Check it out!
Dr. John Soltis, VP for Science Policy, highlights how many of the innovations we rely on today, from the mRNA vaccine to the internet, were made possible through federal research funding. Current budget cuts could jeopardize future discoveries and impact graduate researchers nationwide. The post also breaks down how you can make your voice heard in shaping science funding. Check it out!
New leadership board members
We’re excited to welcome our new coordinators and treasurer, watch out for our updated Leadership page to learn more about them!
Science policy coordinators
Science diplomacy coordinators
Treasurer
Upcoming initiatives
SNAP Hackathon
Spring 2026
JHSPDG is partnering with Scientist Network for Advancing Policy (SNAP) to host a Science Policy Hackathon this spring. This event will bring together small teams to develop innovative policy solutions addressing key issues at the intersection of science and society. Final proposals will be showcased by SNAP, offering participants a valuable opportunity to contribute to real-world policy conversations. Stay tuned for more details in the next edition of our newsletter.
Opportunity deadlines
Due date
Title
November 1, 2025
November 1, 2025
November 3, 2025
Meetups Across Borders: Science Diplomacy Grid
November 13 , 12pm EST
Zoom (Virtual event)
The Science Diplomacy Grid, co-directed by SPDG alum Ona Ambrozaite, is hosting an online opportunity to hear from diplomacy professionals and exchange ideas around food security, combatting malnutrition, and advancing biofortification research, all through the lens of international collaboration. The event will take place over Zoom on November 13 at 12pm EST. Register for the event here.